Ecuador’s presidential election has headed to a runoff after President Daniel Noboa failed to secure a majority of votes in the re-election bid on Sunday. With 96% of ballots counted, Noboa had received 44.37% of the votes, while Luisa González, his leftist opponent, trailed behind with 43.86%. The election marks a significant shift for Ecuador, which has been plagued by violence and economic crisis in recent years.
Critics say that if Noboa wins in the second round, it could have troubling consequences for democratic norms, civil liberties, and the rule of law. His supporters, however, argue that he is a bold leader willing to break the rules and stand up to corrupt forces. The outcome has sparked widespread reactions from citizens, with many expressing nostalgia for the low crime rates and strong economy during Rafael Correa’s presidency.
At stake is the direction Ecuador will take as it grapples with high unemployment, energy crisis, and widespread violence. The country has seen tens of thousands of Ecuadorean migrants fleeing to the United States due to the crisis. Noboa’s campaign was marked by a tough-on-crime approach, which many voters saw as necessary but others questioned its effectiveness.
The election result comes after polls predicted Noboa would win a majority, making a second round unnecessary. However, the outcome highlights the complexity of Ecuador’s politics and the challenges faced by the country in addressing its pressing issues.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/09/world/americas/ecuador-president-election-2025.html