Preliminary and partial results showed the Costa Rican president`s handpicked successor captured the win with a resounding first-round victory, eliminating the need for a runoff in a crowded field after Sunday`s election.

The Supreme Electoral Tribunal reported that with votes from 96.8 per cent of polling places tallied, Fernandez of the Sovereign People`s Party had 48.3 per cent of the vote. Her closest challenger was economist Alvaro Ramos of the National Liberation Party with 33.4 per cent.

On Monday, Fernandez said that her greatest desire as the next president is to consolidate Costa Rica`s development to be able to better face global challenges and to produce solid economic growth.

"I hope that we can immediately lower the flags of whichever political party and start working only in favor of the Costa Rican flag," Fernandez said. "I believe the Costa Rican people expect nothing less of us."

Ramos conceded Sunday night and pledged to lead a "constructive opposition," but one that would not let those in power get away with anything. Fernandez will not be formally declared the winner until electoral officials complete a manual count scheduled to begin Tuesday.