Costa Rica has long been the envy of its neighbors in Central America, enjoying economic stability and growth, dependency and security. As we approach the first round of Presidential elections on 1 February 2026, citizens now face the key question of whether they cast their vote for continuity or change?

On The LatinNews Podcast this week, we sit down with Ronald Alfaro Redondo, Professor of Political Science at the University of Costa Rica and researcher at the State of the Nation program, to discuss the upcoming elections and the legacy of outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves.

We talk about the strength of Costa Rica's democracy, the homicide crisis affecting the country, security, the state of the traditional political parties, foreign policy and relations with the United States and the environment.

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