Ecuador Elections: Voters Confront Growing Violence Amid Presidential Choices

Ecuadorians are casting their votes in a presidential election characterized by escalating drug-related violence linked to the cocaine trade. Current President Daniel Noboa and challenger Luisa González emerged as front-runners among 16 candidates, both pledging to address the nation’s rising crime rates, which have shaped voter sentiment since the 2023 elections, according to the Associated Press. The increase in violence in Ecuador has seen the homicide rate decline from 46.18 per 100,000 individuals in 2023 to 38.76 per 100,000 in 2024, although it remains significantly higher than the 6.85 per 100,000 recorded in 2019. Mandatory voting has drawn over 13.7 million eligible voters, with concerns about personal safety and gang extortion influencing choices at the polls. Voter sentiment is marked by frustration, particularly with Noboa's leadership. Marta Barres, a mother of three, articulated dissatisfaction with the current administration, stating, “Can he change things in four more years? No.” Meanwhile, González's campaign, associated with former President Rafael Correa, has faced challenges similar to her opponent in addressing crime and corruption. If no candidate secures a majority, a runoff is set for April 13, 2025.

Ecuador's presidential election will see incumbent Daniel Noboa and leftist rival Luisa González face off in a runoff scheduled for April 13, 2025, following a tightly contested first round. With over 92% of ballots counted, Noboa received 44.31%, just 45,000 votes ahead of González, in a closely monitored election involving approximately 13.7 million registered voters. Candidates required over 50% or a minimum 40% and a 10-point lead to win outright in the first round. This election serves as a referendum on Noboa's brief presidency, which has been marked by controversial security measures aimed at combating drug trafficking. González, a former congresswoman backed by the leftist Correísmo movement, celebrated her performance as a significant achievement against Noboa, stating, "This victory belongs to you." Noboa, who emphasized his outsider status despite his political role, expressed gratitude to voters and recognized the challenges ahead. The turnout was reported at 83.4%, and despite the tense atmosphere—including past violence in Ecuador's electoral history—international observers noted that voting proceeded without major incidents.

Ecuador's presidential election is set for a runoff on April 13, as conservative incumbent Daniel Noboa and leftist rival Luisa González end the first round in a statistical tie. With over 92% of votes counted, Noboa garnered 44.31% while González trailed closely behind by just 45,000 votes, according to the National Electoral Council. To win outright, candidates needed over 50% of the votes, or at least 40% with a 10-point lead. Noboa's presidency has faced scrutiny during his brief 15-month term, marked by a controversial security policy aimed at tackling drug trafficking and increasing violence in Ecuador. González, a former congresswoman, celebrated the close result as a "great victory" for the left, asserting that this electoral show of strength signals public discontent with Noboa's leadership. International observers monitored the election, which saw an 83.4% turnout, a notable figure given mandatory voting laws for citizens aged 18 to 65. The contentious political climate remains polarized between the legacy of former president Rafael Correa, backing González, and Noboa's anti-Correísmo stance.