Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa questioned the first-round election results, alleging irregularities but providing no evidence. Independent observers confirmed the results were accurate, and both Noboa and his rival Luisa Gonzalez had voiced concerns. Noboa accuses Gonzalez of manipulating votes through crime, while Gonzalez defends her supporters against criminal implications. Their rivalry escalates as they prepare for a run-off election in April 2025.
Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has expressed skepticism regarding the recent first-round results of the presidential election, citing what he described as “irregularities”. In an interview with Radio Centro, Noboa mentioned ongoing discrepancies in the vote counting, yet did not provide specific evidence to substantiate his claims. Independent election observers, including the Organization of American States (OAS), stated they found no significant irregularities in the voting process, confirming the official results within an acceptable margin of error.
Both the OAS and an European Union election monitoring group reported no substantial evidence of fraud, with EU member Gabriel Mato noting dissatisfaction from both candidates, including Noboa and his left-leaning opponent, Luisa Gonzalez. The election ended with both candidates achieving approximately 44 percent of the votes, necessitating a run-off, which is scheduled for April. Mato expressed concern over narratives of fraud that lack objective evidence.
Noboa and Gonzalez have a contentious history, stemming from their previous competition in a snap election triggered by President Guillermo Lasso. Noboa, who came into the 2023 race as an underdog, ultimately defeated Gonzalez in a run-off, securing 52 percent of the votes. Their rivalry continues into the current election cycle, with Gonzalez challenging Noboa’s claims and accusing him of failing to address rising crime rates in Ecuador.
In light of the campaign, Noboa has made allegations against Gonzalez’s party, asserting they have released criminals to sway the election. Conversely, Gonzalez criticized Noboa’s insinuation of criminal influence over her voter base, underscoring her connection to legitimate supporters. Noboa’s campaign practices are also under scrutiny due to an unconstitutional delegation of authority to an interim vice president while he sought re-election.
Amid this political contention, former President Rafael Correa joined the conversation on social media, commenting on Noboa’s and his allies’ conduct, noting they were “bad losers”. Both candidates are set to face off once more in the upcoming run-off election scheduled for April 13, 2025.
In summary, President Daniel Noboa has raised doubts about the integrity of the recent election results, citing irregularities without providing proof. Independent observers refute these claims, stating they found no evidence of widespread fraud. The rivalry between Noboa and his opponent Luisa Gonzalez continues to intensify as they prepare for a second round of voting in April 2025.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
