Ecuador’s general elections on February 9, 2025, led to a runoff on April 13, 2025, between incumbent President Daniel Noboa and Correista candidate Luisa González. Key issues for voters include high unemployment and insecurity. Noboa proposes military-led policies, while González focuses on social reforms and community engagement to combat violence and enhance transparency within politics.
Ecuador held its general elections on February 9, 2025, with over 11 million voters participating to elect leaders for the next four years. Voters selected national authorities including the president, vice president, 151 assembly members, and five Andean parliamentarians. The new National Legislative Assembly, starting on May 14, will be significantly influenced by two political forces: the center-left Movimiento Revolución Ciudadana (RC) and the ruling center-right Acción Democrática Nacional (ADN).
Since no presidential candidate achieved sufficient votes, a runoff election is scheduled for April 13, where incumbent president Daniel Noboa will face Luisa González, a Correista candidate. Noboa previously defeated González in the 2023 elections. To win, both candidates must focus on key issues such as unemployment and insecurity, as a study by IPSOS revealed that these are the primary concerns of three-quarters of Ecuadorians.
Ecuador continues to grapple with a serious public safety crisis, marked by the highest homicide rate in Latin America. January 2025 recorded 732 violent deaths, a stark increase from 487 homicides in the same month in 2024. Security expert Luis Córdova attributes this surge in violence to a lack of opportunities due to insufficient public investment in essential services, including healthcare and education.
Noboa proposes continuing the controversial “internal armed conflict” policy initiated after journalists were threatened by armed individuals in early 2024. Following a tragic event in which minors were reported missing after being detained by the military, the policy has faced intense scrutiny. Some ministers claim criminal groups are to blame while allegations of forced disappearances implicate public forces.
In contrast, Luisa González aims to tackle insecurity through social investment, emphasizing victim support and community rehabilitation. She proposes restructuring government ministries related to security and justice and plans to enhance the cooperation between the Armed Forces and national police. González also advocates for community safety initiatives to increase civic oversight.
To address transparency issues within political parties, González calls for an ethical pact to ensure accountability and public participation in political financing. Her approach emphasizes a reconstitution of participatory democracy aimed at restoring trust in governmental institutions. However, critics, including Noboa, question her ties to alleged criminal affiliations without substantiating evidence.
The second-round election will ultimately determine Ecuador’s direction for the next four years, placing significant power in the hands of the electorate. The choice between military enforcement and progressive social reforms presents a pivotal moment for Ecuador, as citizens weigh the implications of each candidate’s proposed policies.
Ecuador’s upcoming runoff election is critical, as the electorate must choose between President Noboa’s military-centric policies and González’s approach focused on social investment. Both candidates emphasize addressing public safety and economic concerns, with the ruling party and opposition presenting contrasting visions for the country’s future. The ultimate outcome will shape Ecuador’s governmental structure and societal welfare for the next four years.
Original Source: globalvoices.org
