Ecuadorians are voting in a presidential election characterized by concerns over rising drug-related violence. Candidates Daniel Noboa and Luisa González are the main contenders, with promises to combat crime. Personal experiences of crime heavily influence voter decisions, as mandatory voting sees long lines in Guayaquil. The election outcome hinges on candidates’ capabilities to restore safety and stability in a troubled landscape.
Ecuador is currently conducting a presidential election, echoing the competition seen in 2023, where a conservative millionaire triumphed over the leftist candidate affiliated with the nation’s dominant president in recent history. The main contenders are Daniel Noboa and Luisa González, both promising to tackle the rampant crime that has escalated in the country since 2019, when drug-related gang violence surged considerably.
The increase in violence is primarily attributed to cocaine trafficking from neighboring Colombia and Peru, and has deeply affected many voters, who now weigh their personal experiences of crime as they decide on a candidate. Voting is mandatory in Ecuador, and in Guayaquil, citizens waited in line in inclement weather to fulfill their civic duty.
Voter sentiment is charged, with one woman, Marta Barres, expressing her dissatisfaction with the current administration, believing that change is unlikely even if Noboa is re-elected. Barres has been forced to pay local gangs for her family’s safety and favors González, whom she thinks will mitigate crime and enhance economic stability.
Approximately 13.7 million inhabitants are eligible to cast their votes. To secure victory, a candidate must garner either 50% of the votes or 40% with at least a 10-point margin over the closest opponent. Should further voting be required, a runoff is anticipated on April 13.
Noboa, aged 37, previously emerged victorious against González in a snap election in October 2023, succeeding a political crisis instigated by former President Guillermo Lasso’s assembly dissolution. As the heir to a banana trade fortune, Noboa established his political career with brief legislative terms and has since focused on economic development, claiming a decrease in homicide rates during his presidency.
Despite a drop in the national homicide rate, it remains alarmingly high compared to previous years. Voter sentiment reflects skepticism, with students like Keila Torres doubting that any candidate can effectively combat crime due to underlying governmental corruption.
Torres highlighted the impact of criminal activity on her education and described experiences in which her neighborhood’s gang coerced residents regarding their voting preferences. She revealed gang tactics, including intimidation through flyers urging support for a specific candidate, underscoring the pervasive influence of crime on electoral processes.
González, 47, emerged from relative obscurity, gaining attention after being nominated by Correa’s political party. Her political history includes several governmental roles, and though she embodies Correa’s policies of the past, she was previously implicated in a corruption scandal. Her upwards political trajectory continues amidst challenges and controversies.
The presidential election in Ecuador takes place against a backdrop of escalating drug-related violence, primarily fueled by cocaine production from Colombia and Peru. The rising crime rates have become a central issue influencing voter decisions as citizens focus on candidates’ ability to address safety concerns. The election reflects ongoing political struggles within the country and the citizens’ demand for effective leadership to combat these pressing challenges.
The current presidential election in Ecuador illustrates a significant intersection of politics and public safety, with candidates like Daniel Noboa and Luisa González vying for voter support amidst rampant crime fueled by drug trafficking. Citizens are increasingly prioritizing safety in their electoral choices, echoing deep frustrations over current governmental inefficacies. With nearly 14 million voters engaged, the electoral outcome will likely hinge on perceptions of candidates’ commitments to reducing crime and enhancing public welfare.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
