Ecuador’s presidential election proceeds to a runoff on April 13 between President Daniel Noboa and former congresswoman Luisa González after a close first round, where Noboa led with 44.31% to González’s nearly 40%. The election reflects significant political polarization and public sentiment regarding Noboa’s security policies and human rights concerns. Campaigning is heavily monitored due to prior violence, and voter turnout was compelling at 83.4%.
Ecuador’s presidential election is heading to a runoff on April 13, involving conservative President Daniel Noboa and leftist former congresswoman Luisa González. Following the first round, with over 92% of votes counted, Noboa secured 44.31% against González, who trailed closely, differing by just 45,000 votes in a total electorate of 13.7 million registered voters.
To win in the first round, candidates needed either more than 50% of the votes or at least 40% with a 10-point lead. This election is perceived as a referendum on Noboa’s short tenure as a caretaker president after the previous leader’s resignation in 2023. Notably, Noboa’s time in office has been marked by an iron-fisted security approach aimed at combating drug trafficking, which has drawn sharp criticism regarding human rights violations.
The left has hailed the first-round outcome as a victory, given forecasts previously suggested a more decisive win for Noboa. González declared to supporters that they had achieved a “great victory” by creating what she termed a “statistical tie,” adding, “This victory belongs to you.” She emphasized a contrasting narrative, stating, “Daniel Noboa represents fear, we represent hope.”
The upcoming runoff will see Noboa and González reiterate their match from the 2023 election, where Noboa initially trailed but emerged victorious. According to the National Electoral Council, election day proceeded smoothly, monitored by various international observers, including representatives from the EU and the Organization of American States. Voter turnout reached 83.4%, supported by mandatory voting regulations for citizens aged 18 to 65.
Both candidates were under the watch of special forces during their campaign events to prevent any incidents similar to the previous election where a leading candidate was assassinated. The election showcased stark divisions between the Correísmo faction associated with former President Rafael Correa, who supports González, and the anti-Correísmo movement led by Noboa. Although 16 candidates contended, the majority of votes concentrated on Noboa and González, with the third-place candidate receiving only 5%.
At 37, Noboa, the son of a banana tycoon, became Ecuador’s youngest president in 2023 after winning a snap election. His administration has faced challenges, including an internal armed conflict declaration, utilizing military forces to fight against drug-related gangs that have plagued Ecuador. Despite lacking direct cocaine production, Ecuador has become a significant transit hub for drugs sourced from Colombia and Peru, primarily through Guayaquil.
Although Noboa won public support for his security measures in a plebiscite last April, allegations of human rights violations, including the deaths of four minors detained by military forces, have surfaced. Crime rates initially dipped but eventually returned to prior levels, indicating concerns about the long-term effectiveness of Noboa’s strategies, with other violent crimes like kidnappings on the rise.
Moreover, Noboa’s presidency has been overshadowed by an energy crisis leading to extensive blackouts and constitutional disputes, such as barring his vice president from taking office during his leave. In 2024, the country experienced a state of emergency for 250 days, prompting aggressive measures to combat organized crime, measures that have drawn further scrutiny. González accused Noboa of disregarding electoral protocols by failing to step down during the campaign period, emphasizing, “Noboa has violated the law and the constitution.”
Ecuador’s presidential election heads to a runoff with Daniel Noboa facing Luisa González after a notably close first round. This election serves as a critical evaluation of Noboa’s presidency, marked by harsh security policies amid controversies surrounding human rights violations. The polarizing political landscape reflects a deep divide in the nation, as both candidates prepare for a decisive showdown on April 13.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
