Ecuador’s presidential run-off has produced a surprise outcome, with incumbent Daniel Noboa trailing leftist Luisa Gonzalez by less than 1%. In the first round of voting, Noboa had secured 44.3% of the votes, while Gonzalez had secured 43.8%. The two candidates will now face each other in an April presidential run-off.
Noboa has campaigned on a security strategy aimed at reducing violent deaths and prison violence by 15%, as well as capturing major gang leaders. However, his opponent, Gonzalez, has called for more efforts to combat the drug trade-related crime that has plagued Ecuador in recent years.
Gonzalez, a protege of former President Rafael Correa, has vowed to fight crime through major military and police operations, pursue corrupt judges and prosecutors, and implement a social spending plan in the most violent areas. She has accused Noboa’s government of ignoring campaign rules and has raised concerns about election fraud.
The run-off is seen as a tight contest, with many polls predicting that Noboa would win. However, the outcome is now uncertain, and the candidates’ alliances are being tested by the unexpected outcome. Indigenous leader Leonidas Iza, who secured 5.26% of the votes in the first round, has expressed doubts about supporting Noboa.
The election outcome has significant implications for Ecuador’s government bonds, which have plunged as they resumed trading on Monday. The country is now facing two months of uncertainty before the run-off, and the candidates are scrambling to secure their alliances and policies.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the candidates will navigate the challenges ahead and ultimately emerge victorious in the presidential run-off.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/ecuador-presidential-vote-pits-incumbent-against-leftist-rerun-2023-run-off-2025-02-10