Ecuador’s presidential election will go to a second round in April after the first-round vote resulted in a “technical tie” between incumbent center-right President Daniel Noboa and left-wing challenger Luisa Gonzalez. Both candidates received nearly identical vote shares, setting up a highly anticipated runoff.
The narrow outcome was unexpected, defying pre-election polls that had forecasted a clearer result. Noboa’s supporters, initially buoyed by early exit polls suggesting a possible outright win, expressed disappointment but remained optimistic about the second round.
Noboa’s presidency has been primarily focused on tackling Ecuador’s rampant gang violence, which has affected both the streets and prisons. Under his leadership, the military has been deployed to reinforce public security.
Supporters like Fernanda Iza, a 45-year-old Noboa backer, praised his efforts, saying, “He’s helped us a lot, especially when gang violence made it unsafe to go out. There are still many issues to resolve, but I hope he continues with his plan.”
Teenager Juan Diego Escobar was confident about Noboa’s chances in the second round. “I think most people who voted for other candidates will choose Daniel Noboa,” he said.
Noboa’s presence has been felt nationwide, with supporters donning T-shirts and waving flags. Life-size cardboard cutouts of the president in various outfits have been displayed in homes, windows, and even on car rooftops.
Gonzalez, a protégé of former president Rafael Correa, has criticized Noboa for not delivering on promises such as economic improvements, lower fuel prices, and a full crackdown on violent crime.
While she supports similar military actions against crime, her campaign has focused on increasing social spending, particularly in the country’s most violence-ridden areas.
She has also criticized Noboa’s handling of last year’s severe drought, which caused prolonged power outages, and his refusal to temporarily delegate presidential duties to Vice President Verónica Abad due to an electoral law loophole.
Whoever wins the presidency will face significant challenges, including widespread crime fueled by drug cartels fighting for control of Ecuador’s trafficking routes.
Kidnappings and murders remain daily threats, while the country also grapples with a struggling economy, high unemployment, and an energy crisis that resulted in blackouts of up to 14 hours last year.
Noboa has vowed to create jobs, attract investment, and expand renewable energy production, while Gonzalez has promised economic reforms, social investment, and a stronger emphasis on poverty reduction.
As Ecuador heads toward the April runoff, voters will face a choice between two very different visions for the future amidst ongoing concerns about security, the economy, and social stability.
