Ecuador’s Presidential Election Heads to Run-off After Tight First Round

Ecuador’s presidential election will head to a second round in April after the first-round vote ended in a “technical tie” between incumbent center-right President Daniel Noboa and left-wing challenger Luisa Gonzalez. 

Both candidates secured nearly identical percentages of the vote, setting the stage for a closely watched run-off.  

The narrow result came as a surprise, defying opinion polls that had predicted a more decisive outcome. Noboa’s supporters, who had been buoyed by early exit polls suggesting a potential outright victory, expressed disappointment but remained hopeful.  

Noboa’s presidency has largely focused on combating Ecuador’s severe gang violence, which has plagued streets and prisons alike. Under his leadership, the military was deployed to reinforce public security.  

Fernanda Iza, a 45-year-old Noboa supporter, credited his policies for bringing some stability. “He’s helped us a lot, from when there was gang violence so bad that we couldn’t even go out,” she said. “There are many problems still pending, but I hope he continues with his plan.”  

Juan Diego Escobar, 16, expressed confidence in Noboa’s chances. “I think the majority of people who voted for other candidates will prefer to vote for Daniel Noboa in the second round,” he said.  

Noboa’s image has become ubiquitous throughout the country, with supporters donning T-shirts and waving flags. Life-size cardboard cutouts depicting the president in various outfits — from suits to tank tops and sunglasses — have adorned homes, windows, and even car rooftops.  

Gonzalez, a protégé of former president Rafael Correa, has accused Noboa of failing to deliver on key promises, including boosting the economy, cutting fuel prices, and fully curbing violent crime. While she supports similar military operations against crime, her campaign has emphasized increased social spending, particularly in the country’s most violent regions.  

She has also criticised Noboa’s handling of last year’s severe drought, which led to prolonged power outages, and his refusal to temporarily delegate presidential duties to Vice President Verónica Abad, citing an electoral law loophole.  

Whoever wins the presidency will face daunting challenges, including rampant crime driven by drug cartels battling for control of trafficking routes through Ecuador’s ports. Kidnappings and murders remain daily occurrences.  

The nation also grapples with a weak economy, high unemployment, and an energy crisis that caused blackouts of up to 14 hours last year.  

Noboa has pledged to create jobs, attract investment, and boost renewable energy production, while Gonzalez has promised economic reform, social investment, and a stronger focus on reducing poverty.  

As Ecuador heads toward the April run-off, voters are left weighing two distinct visions for the future amid ongoing concerns about security, the economy, and social stability.

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