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Costa Rica's Election Campaign Shaken by Assassination Plot and Bukele's Visit

KVIA•Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 4:10 PM•CNN Newsource

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AI Summary

The political landscape in Costa Rica is being significantly impacted by two major events as the presidential elections approach on February 1. A formal complaint has been filed regarding a supposed assassination plot against President Rodrigo Chaves, allegedly involving a payment to a hitman. Concurrently, Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele visited to support the construction of a new high-security prison, which has sparked debate over foreign influence in local politics. With 45% of voters still undecided, these incidents have intensified discussions about political strategies and the implications for the upcoming elections, where Laura Fernández is currently leading in polls. The situation raises concerns about the intersection of crime and politics in the region.

Key Details: • Elections scheduled for February 1, 2024, to select the president, two vice presidents, and 57 legislative deputies. • Bukele's visit is part of a regional cooperation agreement and aims to address rising crime rates. • The new prison, inspired by El Salvador's facilities, is set to be completed by July 2024. • A formal complaint regarding the assassination plot was filed by Jorge Torres, head of the Intelligence and Security Directorate. • Stella Chinchilla, accused in the assassination plot, has denied all allegations and is cooperating with authorities.

elections politics crime assassination bukele

People & Organizations

Costa RicaNayib BukeleFiscalía GeneralRodrigo ChavesCentro de Investigación y Estudios PolíticosTribunal Supremo de EleccionesStella ChinchillaJorge TorresMaría José CascanteSan JoséAlajuela

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