Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa alleged irregularities in the recent elections, prompting a runoff against Luisa González in April. However, both the EU and OAS observers found no evidence of fraud. Noboa garnered 44.18% of the votes, with González receiving 43.92%. Public concerns over high crime rates also play a significant role in the electoral narrative.
On Tuesday, Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa asserted that the recent presidential elections were marred by “irregularities,” leading to a runoff against Luisa González in April. Despite his claims, election monitors from the European Union (EU) and the Organization of American States (OAS) have found no evidence to support allegations of fraud. Noboa secured 44.18% of the votes, while González followed closely with 43.92%, with the remaining candidates combined receiving nearly 10% of votes as 98.48% of ballots were counted.
In an interview with Radio Centro, Noboa expressed disappointment over the close results, suggesting that the actual count did not reflect the OAS’s preliminary findings. He stated that he expected a wider margin of victory and implied that he possesses evidence of the aforementioned irregularities, although he has not detailed them. Both the OAS and EU have encouraged any claims of misconduct to be directed to the relevant authorities.
The OAS confirmed that it had not detected significant irregularities that would affect the election outcome and noted that their quick count aligned with results published by the National Electoral Council (CNE). They emphasized their intention to avoid interference with official processes. Gabriel Mato, the head of the EU observer mission, stated, “we do not have a single objective element that indicates there was any type of fraud,” and characterized the elections as “transparent, well organized and peaceful.”
During the same interview, Noboa addressed concerns regarding high crime rates in Ecuador, noting recent efforts, including the capture of a significant criminal figure linked to the “Los Lobos” gang. Security remains a paramount concern for voters, with a recent survey revealing that 25.2% of the population cited insecurity as their primary worry. Noboa’s tough approach to crime has been criticized, contrasting with González’s advocacy for peacebuilding rather than a state of war.
The scheduled runoff election between Noboa and González is set for April 13, marking a significant event in Ecuador’s political landscape, particularly amidst ongoing public concerns regarding safety and governance.
In conclusion, the presidential elections in Ecuador have sparked allegations from President Daniel Noboa regarding irregularities, despite assertions from international observers denying any evidence of fraud. As the nation prepares for the upcoming runoff election, key issues such as crime and public safety remain at the forefront of political discourse.
Original Source: latinamericareports.com
