Elections in Ecuador

On February 9, Ecuador held the first round of the presidential elections, resulting in a technical tie between the current president, Daniel Noboa, and the leftist candidate, Luisa González. With 98% of the votes counted, both secured approximately 44% of the ballots. Given this situation, a runoff election has been scheduled for April 13.

Daniel Noboa, 37, assumed the presidency after the early elections of 2023. During his tenure, he has implemented security policies that include militarization and stricter state control. Although these measures initially increased his popularity, the country continues to face significant security challenges, with high levels of violence, as well as economic issues such as recession and an energy crisis.

On the other hand, Luisa González, 47, is backed by former president Rafael Correa. Her campaign combines social justice proposals with Catholic values, and she has exceeded expectations by securing a higher-than-anticipated vote share, positioning herself as a real contender for the Carondelet Palace.

A key factor in the upcoming electoral round will be the support of the Indigenous movement led by Leonidas Iza, whose party, the Pachakutik Movement, secured 5.26% of the votes in the first round. Iza has yet to declare support for either candidate, stating that they will seek to back those who best defend the country’s interests.

These elections reflect deep polarization in Ecuador, highlighting the challenges of establishing new political hegemonies and addressing the country’s structural issues. The runoff election will be crucial in defining the direction the nation will take in the coming years.

Author: Ramiro de Iturralde