Ecuador’s presidential election will go to a run-off on April 13 if current trends persist. Incumbent Daniel Noboa is leading leftist Luisa Gonzalez by less than 1%, with 44.5% of the vote compared to her 44.1%. The rival candidates faced each other in 2023, and polls had predicted Noboa’s win.
Noboa has deployed military forces on the streets and in prisons to reduce violent deaths and prison violence, claiming a 15% decrease. However, his opponents argue that more needs to be done to combat crime, particularly related to the drug trade.
Gonzalez has promised to tackle crime with major military and police operations, pursuing corrupt judges and prosecutors, and implementing a social spending plan in violent areas. She claims Noboa represents “fear” while she brings “hope, change,” and transforming the country.
The election process has been marred by concerns of fraud, with Correa and Gonzalez accusing the electoral council of allowing Noboa to ignore campaigning rules. The constitutional court has also invalidated two decrees that Noboa used to take campaign leave, which may complicate his ability to name an interim vice president for the run-off.
The situation remains uncertain, but it is clear that Ecuador’s presidential election will be a close and contentious one.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/daniel-noboa-expected-triumph-in-ecuador-presidential-race-security-promises-2025-02-09