Ecuadorian voters went to the polls on Sunday to elect a new president, with the country grappling with violence fueled by drug trafficking, high debt, and a divided electorate. The two leading candidates were Luisa Gonzalez, representing the leftist Revolución Ciudadana party, and incumbent President Daniel Noboa, seeking re-election.
An exit poll conducted by Teleamazonas showed Noboa narrowly winning the first round with 50.12% of the valid votes, while Gonzalez received 42.21%. However, official results from the electoral authority are still pending.
The election was marked by heightened security measures, with the country on edge following the assassination of a presidential candidate in 2023. Gonzalez reported receiving threats and intelligence indicating potential attacks against her life. A police officer was killed and another injured in an armed attack in Guayaquil, highlighting the ongoing violence plaguing the nation.
Ecuadorians cast their mandatory votes for president, vice president, 151 assembly members, and five Andean parliamentarians. The election was a rematch between Noboa, 37, and Gonzalez, 47, who previously faced off in the 2023 election. Gonzalez is seeking to become the first female president in Ecuador's history.
Noboa, the son of a banana magnate, surprised many with his victory in 2023, despite limited political experience. He was elected to complete the term of Guillermo Lasso, who dissolved Congress and called for early elections to avoid impeachment on corruption charges. Noboa's campaign focused on his tough stance against drug trafficking, while Gonzalez emphasized her commitment to social justice and human rights.
Neither candidate secured the necessary 40% of votes and a ten-point lead over the closest rival, leading to a runoff election scheduled for April 13th. Experts have criticized the candidates' limited plans to address the country's severe economic crisis, exacerbated by drug-related violence and a rising debt burden.