Ecuador’s presidential runoff on April 13 features incumbent Daniel Noboa and leftist candidate Luisa González after they secured leading votes in the election held on February 9, 2025. The candidates aim to address rising violence linked to drug trafficking as voters decide between maintaining Noboa’s presidency or electing a new leader.
Ecuador’s presidential race has advanced to a runoff election, featuring the conservative incumbent, President Daniel Noboa, and leftist attorney Luisa González. Both candidates emerged victorious from the elections held on February 9, 2025, outpacing 14 other contenders. This upcoming runoff will repeat the October 2023 snap election, in which Noboa won a temporary presidency and now seeks to secure a complete four-year term.
The runoff election, scheduled for April 13, comes amidst increasing concerns over rampant crime in Ecuador. Both candidates promise to address the significant rise in violence, which is closely linked to drug trafficking operations originating from neighboring Colombia and Peru. Many voters, directly affected by crime, are faced with the decision of whether to support a new leadership or grant Noboa additional time to implement his policies.
During the electoral process, preliminary results from Ecuador’s National Electoral Council indicated President Noboa received over 3.71 million votes, accounting for 44.43% of the total, while González closely trailed with approximately 3.69 million votes, or 44.17%. The remaining 14 candidates received notably fewer votes, underscoring the competitive nature of the runoff between these two prominent figures.
Ecuador’s political landscape has been dramatically impacted by widespread criminal activity and instability in recent years. The country has experienced a surge in violence correlated with the escalation of cocaine trafficking, largely rooted in the operations of neighboring countries like Colombia and Peru. Voters are keenly aware of these issues, which have arisen amidst cycles of rapid political turnover, and are looking for solutions to restore safety and governance.
In summary, Ecuador is poised for a significant election with President Daniel Noboa and candidate Luisa González headlining the upcoming runoff. Their proposals to combat violence resonate strongly with voters who have faced difficult challenges in recent years. The runoff on April 13 will be pivotal for determining the country’s future leadership and strategies against the ongoing crime epidemic.
Original Source: apnews.com
