MEXICO CITY, Feb 1 (Bernama-dpa) -- Voters in Costa Rica head to the polls on Sunday to elect a new head of state, German Press Agency (dpa) reported.
Laura Fernández, the conservative candidate from the ruling Sovereign People's Party, is considered the clear favourite among a total of 20 candidates.
If no candidate receives at least 40 per cent of the vote, a run-off election is scheduled for April 5 in the Central American country.
Fernández, 39, was clearly ahead in opinion polls before Sunday's election, polling at around 40 per cent.
In view of rising crime, the former presidential chief of staff has promised to crack down on criminal groups.
In second place in the polls was economist Álvaro Ramos from the social democratic National Liberation Party with less than 10 per cent.
President Rodrigo Chaves is not allowed to run for re-election after a four-year term, in accordance with the constitution. Parallel to the presidential election, there will also be a vote on the new parliament. Around 3.7 million people are eligible to vote.
Polling stations open at 6 am (1200 GMT) and close at 6 pm (0000 GMT). Initial results are expected during the night or in the early hours of Monday. The next president will take office on May 8.
-- BERNAMA-dpa
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