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Daniel Noboa has been re-elected president of Ecuador, obtaining more than 55% of the votes, according to the National Electoral Council (CNE). He defeated his opponent, Luisa González, who obtained the 44%. The president of the CNE, Diana Atamaint, declared that the results reflected an “irreversible trend” in favor of Noboa.
In a speech following his victory, Noboa emphasized the national transformation, saying, "Ecuador is changing." This victory grants the 37-year-old president a full term until 2029, after initially coming to power in 2023 through a snap election for a 16-month presidency.
Violence in Campaigns
The voters' main concern was combating the rise in violence linked to drug trafficking. Since 2021, Ecuador has faced an increase in crime related to cocaine trafficking from Colombia and PeruBoth Noboa and González focused their campaigns on security, but Noboa promised to continue his hardline strategy, which includes militarizing the streets and building maximum-security prisons, modeled after El Salvador.
During his tenure, the homicide rate dropped from 46.18 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2023 to 38.76 in 2024. However, these figures are still worrying compared to the 6.85 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants recorded in 2019.
Controversy
GonzalezThe party, supported by former President Rafael Correa, suffered this defeat, marking the third consecutive failed attempt by Correa's party to regain power. It alleged "grotesque electoral fraud" and announced it would request a recount.
The National Electoral Council (CNE) reported a voter turnout of over 80%, significant in a country where voting is mandatory for adults up to the age of 65. Authorities confirmed arrests for irregularities at polling stations, including cases of double voting and pre-marked ballots. Additionally, 17 people were fined for photographing their ballots.
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Fountain: Associated Press
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