Ecuador is on the brink of a critical moment in its history as the country prepares for a presidential runoff between conservative President Noboa and left-wing candidate Luisa González. The two candidates are set to face off on April 13, with the winner tasked with addressing the nation’s deep-seated security crisis fueled by local gangs and Mexican drug cartels.
The first round of the presidential election ended in a technical tie, with President Noboa narrowly edging out his opponent. However, González is viewing the outcome as a victory, given that she was considered an underdog.
The winner will have to contend with a range of pressing issues, including a significant public debt and a worsening security situation. The country’s public debt stands at over $5 billion, which has put the payroll of government workers at risk. Additionally, local gangs and Mexican drug cartels have infiltrated institutions, leading to widespread violence.
The campaign that led up to the election was marked by controversy, with President Noboa facing criticism for his lack of transparency and his attempts to exploit loopholes in the electoral system. His opponent, González, has run a more traditional campaign, focusing on her commitment to social justice and economic reform.
Ultimately, the outcome of the runoff will depend on the ability of whichever candidate wins to establish stable governance and address the country’s deep-seated problems. With the fate of Ecuador hanging in the balance, citizens are eagerly awaiting the results of the election.
Source: https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-02-10/in-ecuador-noboa-and-gonzalez-will-compete-for-the-presidency-after-a-tight-first-round.html