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Laura Fernandez Leads Presidential Race Amid Low Voter Turnout

1/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Laura Fernandez, of the Sovereign People Party, leads the presidential race with 40% support.
Polls link her surge to President Rodrigo Chaves' 58% approval rating.
Fernandez plans to continue Chaves' policies and appoint him to a senior role.
Alvaro Ramos, the opposition frontrunner from the National Liberation Party, trails at 8%.
Analysts warn that low turnout, 40% in 2022, may favor the ruling party in the February 1 election.

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Story summary

Laura Fernandez, of the Sovereign People Party, leads the presidential race with 40% support.
Polls link her surge to President Rodrigo Chaves' 58% approval rating.
Fernandez plans to continue Chaves' policies and appoint him to a senior role.
Alvaro Ramos, the opposition frontrunner from the National Liberation Party, trails at 8%.
Analysts warn that low turnout, 40% in 2022, may favor the ruling party in the February 1 election.