Ecuador's Presidential Election Heads to Runoff Amidst Tight Race

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.

Ecuadorians are casting their votes in a presidential election overshadowed by an alarming rise in drug-related violence linked to cocaine trafficking from neighboring Colombia and Peru. In a repeat of the 2023 race, incumbent President Daniel Noboa and former leftist candidate Luisa González are emerging as frontrunners among 16 candidates, each pledging to tackle the nation’s escalating crime rates. Voting is mandatory in Ecuador, with more than 13.7 million citizens eligible to participate. To secure an outright victory, a candidate must obtain 50% of the vote or at least 40% with a 10-point lead over nearest competitors. Voters, like Marta Barres, are reflecting on their experiences; Barres expressed skepticism about Noboa’s ability to enact change, stating, “Can he change things in four more years? No.” Noboa, who has been in office since 2023, notably reduced the homicide rate but acknowledges it remains significantly higher than in 2019. As political tensions rise, voters articulate concerns over deep-seated corruption, which many feel undermines any efforts to improve safety.