Ecuador’s Presidential Election Advances to Runoff Amidst Controversy

Ecuador’s presidential election will proceed to a runoff on April 13, 2024, between incumbent Daniel Noboa and challenger Luisa González after a close first round. Noboa leads narrowly with 44.31% against González’s strong showing. The election reflects a polarized political climate and may serve as a referendum on Noboa’s controversial security policies amidst rising crime and governance issues.

Ecuador’s presidential election is proceeding to a runoff after a closely contested first round between the conservative president Daniel Noboa and leftist former congresswoman Luisa González. With over 92% of votes counted, Noboa garnered 44.31%, leading González by only 45,000 votes in a nation of 13.7 million registered voters. To win outright in the first round, a candidate needed over 50% of the votes or at least a 40% share with a 10-point lead over their closest rival.

This election serves as a referendum on Noboa’s brief presidency, which commenced after his predecessor’s resignation in 2023. Noboa’s administration has focused on a strict security approach to combat drug trafficking—a move criticized internationally for potential human rights breaches. Initially, González’s stronger-than-expected performance indicates a shift in voter sentiment, countering predictions of Noboa’s victory.

Celebrating her runoff advancement, González expressed gratitude to supporters, referring to the outcome as a “great victory” and framing the results as a “statistical tie.” She stated, “This victory belongs to you. Daniel Noboa represents fear; we represent hope and the change to transform this country.” The runoff election is slated for April 13, echoing their previous contest where Noboa ultimately prevailed despite trailing in the first round.

The recent election day in Ecuador was marked by a notable voter turnout of 83.4%, attributed to mandatory voting laws for citizens aged 18 to 65. The National Electoral Council reported that the electoral process was largely incident-free, monitored by international observers including representatives from the European Union and the Organization of American States. Security was tight, as both candidates were accompanied by special forces, recalling the assassination of a candidate during the prior elections.

This electoral event underscores the deep polarization within Ecuadorian politics, divided between the Correísmo movement, associated with former president Rafael Correa and supporting González, and the anti-Correísmo faction, led by Noboa. Although 16 candidates competed, the majority of the electorate concentrated their votes on Noboa and González, with third place receiving a mere 5% of the vote.

Noboa, inheriting a legacy of security challenges, declared an “internal armed conflict” in January 2024 to reshape his security policies, particularly against drug-trafficking groups transforming Ecuador into a significant exporter of narcotics. His policies, despite initial success in crime reduction, have faced critique due to escalating human rights violations and a failure to sustain long-term safety improvements.

Concerns surrounding Noboa’s administration extend beyond security issues to an ongoing energy crisis manifesting in extensive power outages and a series of constitutional crises. His contentious relationship with Vice President Verónica Abad and disregard for campaign regulations led to accusations of electoral misconduct, with González asserting after voting, “Noboa has violated the law and the constitution.”

In conclusion, the upcoming runoff in Ecuador’s presidential election highlights the intense rivalry between Daniel Noboa and Luisa González. Noboa’s administration faces scrutiny due to its security policies and governance challenges, whereas González’s campaign capitalizes on a mandate for change. The results may significantly impact Ecuador’s political landscape and its approach to pressing issues like crime and human rights.

Original Source: www.theguardian.com