Ecuador’s presidential runoff election pits conservative incumbent Daniel Noboa against leftist challenger Luisa González, with the winner set to hold the office for a full four-year term.
The Ecuadorian people have spoken, and the outcome is clear: conservative incumbent Daniel Noboa and leftist lawyer Luisa González will face each other in a presidential runoff election on April 13. This repeat of the October 2023 snap election will determine who will hold the office for a full four-year term.
The Ecuadorian presidential election is a significant event in the country's democratic process.
Held every four years, it determines the president and vice president of Ecuador.
The election process involves multiple candidates from various parties, with the winner being determined by a direct vote.
According to the Ecuadorian Constitution, the president serves a four-year term, renewable once.
Since 1979, Ecuador has experienced several presidential elections, with notable figures such as 'Abdalá Bucaram' and 'Rafael Correa' playing significant roles in shaping the country's politics.
The spike in violence across Ecuador is linked to cocaine trafficking from neighboring countries, Colombia and Peru. The widespread criminal activity has left many voters feeling vulnerable, with some even experiencing personal losses due to extortion, kidnapping, or worse. Noboa‘s administration has implemented measures to combat crime, but the homicide rate remains high, standing at 38.76 per 100,000 people last year.
The election saw a strong turnout, with over 83% of eligible voters casting their ballots. Many voters are dissatisfied with Noboa‘s performance, citing his inability to address crime and improve the economy. ‘For me, this president is disastrous. Can he change things in four more years? No. He hasn’t done anything.’ Marta Barres, a 35-year-old mother of three, expressed her frustration: In contrast, some voters believe Noboa‘s tough stance on organized crime is necessary to restore order.
Luisa González, a protégée of former President Rafael Correa, has emerged as a strong contender. Her campaign promises to reduce crime across the board and improve the economy. González‘s experience in government and her connection to Correa‘s party have given her an edge among voters.
Daniel Noboa‘s administration has been marked by controversy, with some of his tactics being questioned for testing the limits of laws and norms of governing. His declaration of a state of internal armed conflict and approval of a police raid on Mexico’s embassy have raised concerns about his approach to security. However, others see him as a strong leader who is willing to take bold action against organized crime.
Esteban Ron, dean of the Faculty of Social and Legal Sciences at the International University SEK in Quito, believes Noboa will be forced to reengineer his campaign, which may have already reached its vote ceiling. Maria Cristina Bayas, a professor at the University of the Americas, sees Sunday’s result as a triumph for Correa‘s party.
The Ecuadorian people now face a choice: continue with Noboa‘s administration or opt for a new direction under González‘s leadership. The outcome will depend on how voters weigh the candidates’ promises and track records in addressing the country’s most pressing issues.
