Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa is running in Sunday’s presidential election, seeking a full four-year term to deliver on his promises of crime-fighting initiatives and power cut solutions. Two recent opinion polls indicate he may win the first round, while others suggest a run-off against leftist Luisa Gonzalez.
Noboa, 37, raised in Guayaquil and heir to his father’s vast business fortune, has implemented measures such as deploying the military on the streets and declaring certain groups terrorist organizations. He promises to follow through with his “Phoenix Plan” to combat insecurity, but critics argue he hasn’t done enough to curb violence.
The president has pledged to improve cooperation with the US, which has imposed sanctions on major Ecuadorean gang Los Lobos. His administration has also increased power generation capacity and restarted work on a stalled hydroelectric dam.
Despite controversy, Noboa remains popular among younger voters who admire his clear path forward for the country. With life-sized cardboard cutouts of him appearing on social media, supporters are rallying behind his campaign. The outcome of Sunday’s election will determine whether Noboa secures a full term and is able to deliver on his promises.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/ecuador-banana-heir-noboa-seeks-full-presidential-term-push-with-crime-crackdown-2025-02-06