Ecuadorians affected by crime are set to vote in presidential elections, with Daniel Noboa and Luisa González as key candidates. Citizens express skepticism toward existing leadership due to ongoing violence linked to drug trafficking. The election could see either the continuation of Noboa or a shift in governance, signaling the public’s discontent with rising crime rates.
Ecuador is preparing for presidential elections, with many voters expressing their experiences as victims of crime. As violence surged in the past years, Ecuadorians recount lost items like cell phones and money due to prevalent criminal activities. This collective trauma will heavily influence their voting decisions on whether to continue with President Daniel Noboa or elect a new leader.
On the streets of Guayaquil, voters share familiar tales of criminal encounters, highlighting that no improvements have been made amid the chaos. Briggitte Hurtado, a local vendor, voiced her skepticism about Noboa after being victims of robbery multiple times. The increasing violence in Ecuador is fueled by drug trafficking, with powerful cartels operating alongside local gangs.
The ballot will feature 16 candidates, including Noboa and Luisa González, from whom he won the presidency in 2023. A candidate needs either 50% of the vote or a minimum of 40% with a 10-point lead to win outright. If no candidate meets this requirement, a runoff will take place in April.
Noboa’s presidency has seen a reduction in the homicide rate, but the overall situation remains dire compared to past years. Although his approach to crime has resonated with some voters, there are increasing concerns about his governance style, particularly regarding the use of emergency powers and executive decisions that seem to bypass traditional political structures.
Ecuador is grappling with escalating violence linked to narcotics trafficking, with the nation experiencing a significant rise in crime rates over the past four years. The country’s ongoing security challenges are central to the upcoming presidential elections, prompting citizens to ponder whether recent leadership should continue. President Daniel Noboa, who took office in November 2023, faces criticism and skepticism from the public about his capabilities as their leader in addressing crime. Meanwhile, Luisa González, who represents a leftist viewpoint, underscores the polarized political landscape and divergent public sentiments in response to previous governance styles. The country’s political dynamics, reflected in recent history under former President Rafael Correa’s administration, complicate the elections further as citizens evaluate their choices amid their recent traumatic experiences as crime victims. Thus, the results of this election could reshape the nation’s future security policies and governance.
The Ecuadorian presidential elections represent a crucial juncture for a country grappling with a surge in crime stemming from drug trafficking. Voters are increasingly aware of the implications of their choices, weighing past experiences against current leadership. With 16 candidates vying for attention, the elections could either reinforce or redefine the nation’s approach to governance and security moving forward.
Original Source: apnews.com
