Ecuador Heads to Polls Amid Security Crisis, Economic Woes
Ecuadorians are casting their ballots today to elect their next president, in a race dominated by the nation’s escalating security crisis and struggling economy, Al Jazeera reports.
Polls opened at 7:00 AM local time (12:00 GMT) and will close at 5:00 PM local time (22:00 GMT).
Fifteen candidates are vying for the top job, challenging incumbent President Daniel Noboa, a 37-year-old from a wealthy business family who assumed office just 14 months ago. His main competitor is left-wing legislator Luisa Gonzalez, 47, a close associate of former President Rafael Correa.
Analysts suggest Gonzalez faces an uphill battle to overtake Noboa, whose “mano dura” (iron fist) approach to crime is seen as a key factor in his projected lead. A second-round runoff election will be held on April 13 if no candidate secures 50 percent of the vote, or 40 percent with a 10-point lead over the nearest rival.
The presidential campaigns have largely centered on the country’s economic downturn and the surge in violence fueled by cartel turf wars. These conflicts have transformed Ecuador from one of Latin America’s safest nations into one of its most dangerous.
Noboa, initially elected in 2023 to complete his predecessor’s term, claims that his deployment of the military on the streets and inside prisons has resulted in a 15 percent reduction in violent deaths, a significant decrease in prison violence, and the capture of key gang leaders.
However, his rivals argue that more decisive action is needed to combat the drug trade-related crime that has plagued Ecuador in recent years. Gonzalez proposes a multifaceted approach, including military and police operations, prosecution of allegedly corrupt judges and prosecutors, and the implementation of social spending programs in the most violence-affected areas.
Noboa’s tough-on-crime strategy, including declaring a state of emergency and deploying the army nationwide, has been the cornerstone of his political agenda. The security crisis, however, has also taken a toll on the economy, which is believed to have entered a recession last year.
The economic strain has forced Noboa to seek assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), aiming to secure a $4 billion fiscal package.
Gonzalez has attempted to allay concerns about her potential approach to the IMF deal, stating that the UN agency is “welcome” to provide assistance as long as it does not impose policies that harm working families.
