Ecuador’s presidential runoff will feature conservative President Daniel Noboa and leftist Luisa González after a tight first-round election. Noboa garnered 44.31% of the votes, while González’s performance defied earlier predictions. The election serves as a referendum on Noboa’s security policies amid rising violence. The upcoming vote emphasizes the ongoing political polarization in the country, further complicated by Noboa’s administration’s challenges.
Ecuador’s conservative President, Daniel Noboa, will face leftist former congresswoman Luisa González in a runoff election scheduled for April 13. Following a closely contested first-round vote, Noboa secured 44.31% of the ballot, with a narrow margin of only 45,000 votes separating him from González amidst an electorate of 13.7 million registered voters.
To win in the first round, candidates needed either over 50% of the votes or a minimum of 40% with a 10-point lead over the closest opponent. This election is seen as a referendum on Noboa’s short tenure as a caretaker president after he stepped in following the resignation of the previous administration.
Noboa’s term has been largely defined by an aggressive security strategy aimed at combating drug trafficking, which has drawn heavy criticism from human rights organizations for alleged violations. Many in the left celebrate González’s strong performance, as most polls had predicted a more significant lead for Noboa.
Lauded as a “great victory” by González, she emphasized that they had achieved a “statistical tie.” She stated, “This victory belongs to you. Daniel Noboa represents fear; we represent hope, the change to transform this country.”
The upcoming runoff in April is a repeat of the 2023 election where Noboa, initially trailing, ultimately secured victory against González. Observers from the EU and the Organization of American States monitored the recent election, which had an impressive turnout of 83.4% due to mandatory voting laws in Ecuador, where citizens aged 18 to 65 are required to participate.
Ecuador’s polarized political landscape once again surfaced during this election, emphasizing the divide between those supporting the leftist leader, Rafael Correa, and Noboa’s anti-Correísmo base. Out of 16 candidates on the ballot, the competition was primarily concentrated between Noboa and González, with the third-place candidate receiving a mere 5% of the votes.
Upon Noboa’s rise to power, he became Ecuador’s youngest president at 37 after winning a snap election to complete Guillermo Lasso’s term. His presidency has faced challenges, including rising violence from organized crime and the implementation of drastic security measures centered around the military.
Despite Ecuador not being a cocaine producer, the nation has increasingly become a major transshipment route for drugs from Colombia and Peru. Although initial reports indicated crime rates fell under Noboa’s policy, levels have since risen again, leading experts to label his methods as ineffective in curbing long-term violence.
In addition to the crime crisis, Noboa’s administration has been characterized by an energy shortage resulting in extensive blackouts and several constitutional violations. This included conflicts with his vice president regarding her role in government while under his administration.
The state of emergency declared in 2024 lasted for 250 days, empowering Noboa to implement measures such as warrantless home searches. He insisted these were essential for combating organized crime, and González later accused him of unlawful conduct regarding campaign regulations.
Ecuador’s presidential runoff election highlights a contentious political landscape, with Daniel Noboa and Luisa González emerging as primary contenders. The upcoming vote serves as a critical assessment of Noboa’s presidency amid issues of security, human rights, and constitutional integrity. As the country prepares for a second electoral challenge, the political divisions between left and right are stark, indicating significant implications for Ecuador’s future governance and stability.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
