Ecuador’s Election Runoff: A Choice Between Military Force and Social Change
Ecuador’s elections have led to a crucial runoff between President Daniel Noboa and Luisa González of the Movimiento Revolución Ciudadana. Key issues include addressing high unemployment and violence, with Noboa favoring military solutions and González advocating for social investments. The runoff election will occur on April 13, 2025, with significant implications for the country’s security and governance.
Ecuador recently conducted its general elections, where over 11 million voters chose new leaders for the upcoming four years. The elections determined the national authorities, including the president, vice president, and members of the legislative assembly. The newly formed National Legislative Assembly will primarily consist of members from two major political entities: the center-left Movimiento Revolución Ciudadana (RC) and the ruling center-right Acción Democrática Nacional (ADN).
Since no presidential candidate secured a majority in the first round, a runoff election is set for April 13, 2025. Incumbent President Daniel Noboa will compete against Correista candidate Luisa González, who he previously defeated in a 2023 election. Candidates must address critical issues plaguing the nation, notably unemployment and insecurity, as indicated by a recent IPSOS study revealing that three-quarters of Ecuadorians prioritize these concerns.
The chronic problem of public safety remains unresolved after numerous administrations, with Ecuador experiencing the highest homicide rates in Latin America. In January 2025 alone, 732 violent deaths occurred, a stark increase from the 487 in January 2024. Security expert Luis Córdova attributes rising violence to insufficient investment in essential services such as healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.
President Noboa advocates for continuing his policy of treating violence as an “internal armed conflict.” His administration has deployed the military to provide public security, particularly following a violent incident involving armed individuals at an Ecuadorian television station. However, this military role has drawn scrutiny due to accusations of forced disappearances, including that of four minors in December 2024.
In contrast, Luisa González campaigns for social investment as a means to address insecurity. Her proposals include rehabilitating and reintegrating victims, reinstating critical ministries, and enhancing the operational capabilities of security forces. González aims to foster civic oversight and community involvement, seeking to implement reforms rather than relying solely on military force.
Furthermore, González proposes an ethical pact promoting transparency in political financing and encouraging citizens to actively participate in overseeing political entities. She emphasizes the need for a participatory democracy to restore faith in state institutions, although her critics, including Noboa, have alleged without evidence that her alliances may involve links to criminal groups.
Ultimately, Ecuadorians will cast their votes in the second-round election in April 2025, crucially determining the country’s direction and leadership for the next four years. The stark choice remains between continuing military approaches to security or embracing a path of social change and investment.
Ecuador is faced with critical decisions regarding its future in the upcoming runoff elections, with candidates presenting contrasting views on how to combat violence and enhance public security. On one side, incumbent President Noboa advocates a military approach to internal conflict, while Luisa González proposes social investment and community involvement to address the root causes of insecurity. The outcome of these elections will not only affect leadership but also the strategic direction toward public safety and social welfare.
Original Source: globalvoices.org
