For the first time in Costa Rica’s history, women are expected to make up 25% of the presidential candidates in the upcoming 2026 national elections. At least five women have begun formal procedures to secure their place on the ballot, setting a new record for female participation in presidential races. This marks Costa Rica’s sixth national election featuring women contenders since the first female candidacy appeared in 1994, when Norma Vargas ran for president after women gained the right to vote and stand for office in 1949.
The confirmed five female candidates for 2026 are Claudi Dobles, Ana Virginia Calzada, Luz Mary Alpízar, Laura Fernández, and Natalia Díaz.
Compiled From: Tomás Gómez, “Por primera vez las mujeres ocuparian el 25% de la papeleta presidencial en Costa Rica”, El Observador, Oct. 1, 2025.