Ecuador’s conservative President Daniel Noboa has won re-election in a landslide victory, with 90% of valid votes counted. The outcome marks a significant shift in the country’s politics.
Ecuador’s conservative President Daniel Noboa has been declared the winner in the country’s presidential race, with 90% of valid votes counted. Noboa leads his leftist rival Luisa Gonzalez by 12 points.
The Candidates and Their Campaign Promises
Noboa, who has been president for just over 16 months, faced off against leftist Gonzalez, whom he beat in a 2023 race to become Ecuador’s leader. Both candidates have promised to fight surging drug violence and economic issues that remain top concerns for voters.
Gonzalez, of the Citizens’ Revolution party, is a lawyer and a former lawmaker. ‘She has promised to revive social programs enacted by former President Rafael Correa during his decade in power.’ If she wins, Gonzalez would be the first woman elected president of Ecuador.
The Key Issues: Drug Violence and Economic Growth
The homicide rate in Ecuador dropped from 46.18 per 100,000 people in 2023 to 38.76 per 100,000 people in 2024, thanks in part to Noboa‘s heavy-handed crime-fighting tactics. However, the rate remains far higher than the ‘6.85 homicides per 100,000 people seen in 2019.’
Economic growth is also a concern for voters, with unemployment rising and the economy struggling to recover post-pandemic. Noboa has predicted 4% economic growth in 2025 if his policies continue.
Economic growth is influenced by various factors, including investment in human capital, 'technological advancements' , and infrastructure development.
A strong institutional framework, favorable business environment, and low corruption levels also contribute to economic expansion.
Additionally, a country's openness to trade and foreign direct investment can stimulate economic growth.
According to the World Bank, countries with high levels of investment in education and healthcare tend to experience faster economic growth rates.
The Campaign Events
Noboa‘s final campaign event was held in Guayaquil on Thursday, where he promised to bring about real change and teach a lesson to those who have attacked the country. Gonzalez also made promises of social programs and hope for the future.
The election has been marked by concerns of election fraud, with both candidates urging observers to be vigilant. More than 13 million people are eligible to vote, which is mandatory for adults up to the age of 65.
