Ecuadoreans are currently voting in the run-off of a presidential election that has been marred by a surge in violence that has made the country one of the most dangerous in the region. The first round of the election took place shortly after the assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicenio in the capital city, Quito. While seven suspects were apprehended in connection with the assassination, they have since been killed while in custody, raising concerns about the country’s security.
In the run-off, voters will have to choose between two candidates: centrist Daniel Noboa of the National Democratic Action coalition and Luisa González of the left-wing Citizen Revolution Movement. Daniel Noboa, the 35-year-old son of banana magnate Álvaro Noboa, surprised many by securing a spot in the run-off after coming second in the first round with 23% of the vote. Since then, he has surpassed the first-placed candidate, Luisa González, in the opinion polls.
Luisa González, a lawyer who garnered 34% of the votes in the initial round, lacks a billionaire father like Noboa but enjoys the support of former president Rafael Correa. Despite living in Belgium since his departure from power in 2017, Correa continues to wield significant political influence in Ecuador. However, he remains a divisive figure due to his conviction for breaking campaign finance laws in 2020.
Both candidates have vowed to address voters’ concerns regarding the skyrocketing murder rate and the increasing power of criminal gangs. Noboa has proposed relocating hardened criminals to prison ships off the Ecuadorean coast to disrupt the deadly warfare conducted by prison gangs. He also aims to enhance security at Ecuador’s borders and ports to interrupt drug-trafficking routes. As Ecuador is sandwiched between Colombia and Peru, the world’s top cocaine producers, the country has become a major transit point for drug smuggling. Noboa suggests the installation of scanners at ports and airports to boost interception of cocaine shipments and combat this issue. Additionally, he has promised to generate more employment opportunities.
In contrast, González intends to address the root causes of crime by promoting social integration and creating job prospects for individuals who may be enticed to join gangs due to the lack of alternatives. If elected, she would become Ecuador’s first female president. However, her stance against abortion, even in cases of rape and incest, has alienated some women voters who desire female leadership.
The winner of the election will be sworn in on November 25th, but they will have a limited 17-month term until the next presidential election. The early triggering of the current election was a result of outgoing President Guillermo Lasso dissolving parliament amid an impeachment trial.
This presidential election in Ecuador holds significant importance due to the prevailing violence and the contrasting approaches of the two candidates in addressing the country’s challenges. The outcome will determine the path that Ecuador takes in combating crime and promoting economic growth. Voters must carefully evaluate and consider the candidates’ proposals to make an informed choice for a safer and prosperous Ecuador.
