Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa led the presidential run-off election with 56.8% of the votes against Luisa Gonzalez’s 43.2%. Voter turnout exceeded 80%, reflecting the public’s urgency for solutions to crime. This election was the second run-off in less than two years after Noboa won a previous snap election.
In the presidential run-off election held on Sunday, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa, a conservative millionaire, emerged as the leading candidate according to early returns. As reported by the National Electoral Council, Mr. Noboa secured 56.8% of the votes with approximately 55% of the ballots counted, while leftist lawyer Luisa Gonzalez received 43.2%. This election came as Ecuadorians sought solutions to the rampant crime issues that have plagued the country post-pandemic.
Voting in Ecuador is mandatory, and electoral officials indicated a strong turnout, with over 80% of registered voters participating in the election. This marked the second presidential run-off in less than two years, with voters making their choice in the aftermath of a snap election held in October 2023. Mr. Noboa and Ms. Gonzalez proceeded to the run-off after leading the first round of voting in February. In that initial round, Mr. Noboa received 44.17% of the votes, narrowly beating Ms. Gonzalez, who received 44%, with only about 17,000 votes separating the two candidates.
Polls officially closed at 5 PM local time during the run-off election.
The recent presidential run-off election in Ecuador saw incumbent President Daniel Noboa maintaining a substantial lead over his opponent, Luisa Gonzalez. With a voter turnout exceeding 80%, citizens expressed their desire for effective solutions to ongoing crime issues. As Ecuador navigates its political landscape post-pandemic, this election underscores the pressing need for transformative leadership to address public concerns.
Original Source: www.irishnews.com
