Ecuadorian voters have reelected President Daniel Noboa, a conservative young millionaire, by a wide margin Sunday, citing concerns over rising crime rates and violence. Noboa secured 55.8% of the vote with more than 92% of ballots counted, while his opponent Luisa González earned 44%.
Noboa has a divisive record on crimefighting, which has drawn praise from some but also raised concerns about authoritarian tendencies and electoral irregularities. The president-elect has promised to continue applying no-holds-barred crime strategies that have tested the limits of laws and norms.
González’s defeat marks the third consecutive time the party of former President Rafael Correa has failed to return to the presidency. She vowed to seek a recount over what she described as “grotesque” electoral fraud, but her campaign’s claims were largely dismissed by authorities.
Voters expressed concerns about violence that transformed Ecuador starting in 2021, with crime linked to cocaine trafficking in neighboring Colombia and Peru. Both candidates promised tough-on-crime policies, but Noboa’s record on this issue remains contentious.
Noboa has a background in the banana trade and opened an event organizing company at age 18 before joining his father’s corporation. González has held various government jobs during Correa’s presidency.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/ecuador-presidential-election-noboa-luisa-gonzalez-correa-1f638a952e5cc1135dcff5d8e99dc259