Ecuador Votes Amid Surge in Drug-Related Violence

Ecuadorians are voting in a presidential election amid rising gang violence linked to drug trafficking. Incumbent Daniel Noboa and Luisa González are the leading candidates, both pledging to combat crime. With over 13.7 million eligible voters, the election’s outcome will heavily depend on voter experiences with crime.

Ecuadorians are casting their votes in a presidential election reflective of the previous year’s race, which saw the election of a young, conservative millionaire over a leftist candidate. Daniel Noboa, the incumbent, and Luisa González emerge as clear frontrunners among the 16 candidates, all pledging to tackle the pervasive crime that has escalated over recent years.

The surge in violence across Ecuador is largely attributed to cocaine trafficking from neighboring Colombia and Peru. As crime has become a personal issue for many voters, their experiences and losses are expected to significantly influence the election results.

In Ecuador, voting is compulsory. In Guayaquil, voters braved light rain outside polling stations, such as a local university, anticipating high participation. Marta Barres, a mother of three, expressed skepticism regarding Noboa’s potential for change, stating, “For me, this president is disastrous.” She plans to support González, believing she can address crime and economic challenges.

Ecuador has over 13.7 million eligible voters. To secure an outright victory, a candidate must achieve a majority of 50% or at least 40% with a 10-point advantage over the next closest contender. If no candidate meets these criteria, a runoff election is scheduled for April 13.

Noboa triumphed over González in a runoff election held in October 2023, following a political crisis that led to the dissolution of the national assembly by the preceding president, Guillermo Lasso. Both candidates had brief experiences as lawmakers prior to their presidential campaigns.

At 37, Noboa is a banana trade heir and founded an event-planning company at age 18. He later took on roles within his family’s Noboa Corp., including management positions in various sectors. His political journey began in 2021 with a seat in the national assembly, where he chaired the economic development committee.

Noboa’s presidency has seen a decline in homicide rates, from 46.18 per 100,000 people in 2023 to 38.76 per 100,000 last year; however, this remains significantly higher than the 6.85 per 100,000 recorded in 2019.

Architecture student Keila Torres has yet to decide on her vote, uncertain about the candidates’ capacity to reduce crime due to systemic corruption. Torres highlighted personal experiences with crime that have affected her education and described a fearful climate where gangs intimidate residents into voting for specific candidates.

González, aged 47, previously held multiple governmental positions during Rafael Correa’s presidency. Despite being relatively unknown before her nomination, she has emerged as a significant political figure. Correa’s era was marked by populist policies that eroded democratic norms and led to his imprisonment by corruption charges.

In conclusion, with crime overshadowing the election, Ecuador’s citizens face challenging choices. While the candidates propose solutions, deep-rooted issues of corruption and insecurity complicate the political landscape as the nation prepares to finalize its democratic process.

Ecuador is grappling with increased gang violence linked to drug trafficking, particularly cocaine from Colombia and Peru, pushing the nation into a state of insecurity. This environment has made crime a pivotal issue in the presidential election, leading voters to prioritize candidates who promise effective solutions. The political dynamics shaped by previous elections and candidates’ backgrounds play a crucial role in the electoral process as citizens seek change amid increasing violence.

The Ecuadorian presidential election highlights the significant challenge of violence rooted in drug trafficking, influencing voter decisions. Candidates Daniel Noboa and Luisa González present themselves as solutions to this crisis, yet their ability to effect real change remains under scrutiny. Voters, facing crime-related adversity, must navigate a complicated political landscape and make difficult choices about their country’s leadership.

Original Source: www.theguardian.com