Ecuador is facing a runoff election between incumbent Daniel Noboa and challenger Luisa González with crime as a pivotal issue. Noboa led with 44.31% of votes, narrowly ahead of González at 43.83%. Voter engagement was high, exceeding 83%, and sentiments reveal deep skepticism about candidates’ abilities to combat crime effectively.
Ecuador is set to hold a runoff presidential election on April 13 between the conservative incumbent, Daniel Noboa, and leftist lawyer Luisa González. Crime, particularly linked to drug trafficking from Colombia and Peru, has become a paramount issue for voters. In the first-round election, Noboa secured 44.31% of votes, while González obtained 43.83%, leaving the other 14 candidates trailing far behind.
With 92.1% of votes counted, Noboa received approximately 4.22 million votes, while González garnered around 4.17 million. The electorate, totaling roughly 13.7 million, showed a strong engagement with over 83% participation. As both candidates push for a full four-year term, reducing rising criminal activity has become crucial to attract undecided voters.
Under Noboa’s leadership, the homicide rate decreased from 46.18 per 100,000 people in 2023 to 38.76 in 2024; however, this figure remains alarmingly high compared to 6.85 in 2019. Many citizens feel increasingly vulnerable due to the climb in other crimes such as kidnapping and extortion. One voter, Marta Barres, expressed skepticism about Noboa’s effectiveness, citing her family’s need to pay local gangs for protection.
Daniel Noboa, who assumed office in a snap election in October 2023, now faces questions about his handling of crime during his short presidency. His administration has employed tougher measures against organized crime, which have been met with mixed reviews. Voter sentiments appear split as some praise his strong stance against crime, while others criticize his approach.
Luisa González, a former lawmaker and ally of ex-President Rafael Correa, has also emerged as a significant candidate after being relatively unknown prior to her candidacy. Analysts note this election as a win for her party, given the closer-than-expected results. Academic sources suggest that Noboa may need to adjust his campaign methods as he aims to secure more votes in the upcoming runoff.
Public sentiment reflects a widespread doubt regarding the capabilities of either candidate to effect meaningful change in addressing crime and corruption. Young voters like architecture student Keila Torres indicated a belief that deeper systemic issues would inhibit any progress in reducing crime. Many citizens are left questioning if this election will finally pave the way for a turnaround in Ecuador’s persistent crime crisis.
Ecuador’s runoff election features a tight race between incumbent Daniel Noboa and challenger Luisa González, largely centered on the pressing issue of rising crime, particularly linked to drug trafficking. With a significant voter turnout, both candidates approach the election highlighting their strategies to combat widespread unrest. The final outcome remains uncertain, as concerns regarding their effectiveness in addressing the crime crisis dominate public discourse.
Original Source: www.foxnews.com
