Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has contested the results of the recent presidential election, claiming irregularities. Independent observers report no significant discrepancies in the votes. The first round ended in a tie, leading to a decisive run-off between Noboa and Luisa Gonzalez on April 13, amidst rising tensions and accusations from both candidates.
Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has expressed skepticism regarding the results of the recent presidential election, citing potential irregularities in the first-round voting process. In a recent interview with Radio Centro, he noted discrepancies during the counting process, stating, “There have been many irregularities, and we are still counting.” However, he did not provide any substantive evidence to support his claims.
In response, independent observers, including the Organization of American States (OAS) and a European Union electoral monitoring group, reported no significant discrepancies in the voting results. The OAS confirmed that its observations supported the official outcomes and invited any complaints to be brought to the appropriate authorities.
The first round of the election demonstrated a virtual tie, with each of the leading candidates, Noboa and his left-leaning rival Luisa Gonzalez, securing around 44 percent of the votes. This set the stage for a run-off election scheduled for April. Gabriel Mato, a European Parliament member, stated, “We do not have a single objective element that there was any type of fraud.”
Noboa and Gonzalez have a history of rivalry, having previously faced off in the snap election that followed President Guillermo Lasso’s early term dissolution. Noboa emerged victorious in that contest, receiving 52 percent of the vote compared to Gonzalez’s 48 percent. The current rematch in April is pivotal for Noboa as he seeks a full four-year term.
In his interview, Noboa accused Gonzalez’s Citizen Revolution party of releasing criminals to sway electoral outcomes, while commending his supporters for participating in the elections despite purported threats. He remarked, “I am proud of the way in which the great majority of Ecuadorians behaved in these elections.”
Gonzalez countered Noboa’s allegations, asserting that her party’s voters are not criminals. She criticized the president for failing to address rising crime rates effectively and highlighted potential irregularities during his re-election campaign. Former President Rafael Correa also commented on the tensions, stating, “What bad losers!”
Both Noboa and Gonzalez’s campaigns will proceed to a second round of voting on April 13, with significant ramifications for their political futures. This election cycle reflects the ongoing political tensions and issues of credibility impacting Ecuador’s democratic process.
In summary, President Daniel Noboa has raised concerns about alleged irregularities in the Ecuadorian presidential election, though independent observers have found no substantial evidence to support such claims. The upcoming run-off election between Noboa and Luisa Gonzalez marks an important chapter in their ongoing rivalry. Both candidates face scrutiny over their conduct and the broader implications of crime and governance in Ecuador, setting a tense stage for the April elections.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
