Polls closed in Ecuador’s presidential election, which featured incumbent Daniel Noboa against leftist Luisa Gonzalez. With nearly 84% voter participation and no major security issues, both candidates utilized extensive observer networks to protect election integrity. Rising drug-related violence and economic struggles were key concerns influencing voters.

Ecuador recently conducted a tightly contested presidential election, closing polls on Sunday. Incumbent Daniel Noboa is advocating for continued efforts against drug-related gangs and economic revitalization, while leftist candidate Luisa Gonzalez aims to reintroduce previously established socialist policies. The election saw a remarkable voter turnout of nearly 84%, as reported by Diana Atamaint, the national electoral council head, and took place without significant security incidents.

Both Noboa and Gonzalez, along with former President Rafael Correa, emphasized vigilance against potential electoral fraud, each deploying over 45,000 observers at polling stations. The concerns surrounding safety and security were heightened by a significant rise in criminal activities, including murders and extortion, linked to local gangs collaborating with drug cartels. These issues have worsened in the last five years amid an economic recovery struggle after the pandemic, leading to increasing unemployment and instability.

The recent Ecuadorian presidential election featured a competitive race between incumbent Daniel Noboa and leftist candidate Luisa Gonzalez, both striving to address pressing issues such as drug violence and economic recovery. High voter turnout and a focus on electoral integrity characterized the event, reflecting the citizens’ concerns in a challenging socio-economic environment. The outcomes of this election will significantly impact Ecuador’s future direction amid ongoing security challenges.

Original Source: www.jpost.com