In Ecuador’s upcoming elections, President Daniel Noboa seeks a full term amid rampant crime and economic concerns. Facing 15 challengers, notably Luisa Gonzalez, his policies on security resonate strongly with voters. Despite leading in polls, he may face a runoff, influenced by a violent backdrop that has raised critical issues for the country’s future and electoral integrity.
Ecuador’s presidential election on Sunday, February 9, is significant for President Daniel Noboa, who aims to secure his first full four-year term after an 18-month interim following a snap election. At just 37 years old, Noboa is the youngest president in Ecuador’s history but now faces tough competition from 15 candidates, particularly from left-wing lawmaker Luisa Gonzalez, who was his closest rival in the last election.
Noboa has positioned himself as a law-and-order candidate but has struggled with rising violence and organized crime, which has overshadowed his administration. Ecuador’s recent spike in crime has led him to enhance law enforcement powers, but these actions have raised concerns about civil liberties, highlighting the paradox of his campaign.
Voters will determine not just the presidency but all seats in the National Assembly during this general election. Candidates must achieve over 50% or 40% with a 10-point lead in the first round to avoid a second round scheduled for April 13, featuring the leading candidates.
Noboa’s term was initiated through a constitutional mechanism called
‘muerte cruzada’, invoked by his predecessor Guillermo Lasso, leading to snap elections and Noboa completing Lasso’s term. As he seeks a full term, his party aims to secure more legislative seats than his opponents.
Polling indicates that Noboa currently leads but may yet face Gonzalez in a run-off, as he struggles to meet the outright victory threshold. With a crowded field of candidates, interest is particularly focused on Luisa Gonzalez, Jan Topic, and Leonidas Iza among others competing to gain political ground.
Crime remains the chief concern among voters, overshadowing issues of economic opportunity and rising living costs. Recent data indicates that crime is prioritized by the electorate, reflecting an urgent demand for effective state action against violence and organized crime.
Once viewed as one of South America’s safer nations, Ecuador has recently seen homicide rates soar, with 7,000 murders in the last year marking an alarming trend. This uptick is attributed to drug trafficking groups taking advantage of Ecuador’s geographical location as a drug transit country, exacerbated by the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Voters favor stringent measures against crime, including military involvement in public security and tougher penalties for drug-related offenses. Noboa’s administration has embraced these mandates, but there are concerns over potential abuses of the military’s new powers amidst increased violence.
While security measures are heavily favored by voters, experts caution that sustainable solutions must also address underlying issues like socioeconomic inequality and corruption. The recurring emphasis on tough-on-crime strategies may provide temporary relief but lacks the long-term efficacy required to generate lasting stability in Ecuador’s complex socio-political landscape.
This article addresses the ongoing political climate in Ecuador as the country prepares for its presidential election. With heightened crime rates and economic issues dominating voter concerns, Daniel Noboa’s government faces scrutiny as he seeks to extend his rule. The upcoming elections are vital not only for the presidency but also for reshaping the National Assembly, with all its seats up for election.
Ecuador’s upcoming presidential elections represent a critical juncture for President Daniel Noboa, who is battling high crime rates and economic instability. As multiple candidates vie for the presidency, crime emerges as the foremost concern among voters, overshadowing economic issues. While Noboa leads in polls, his approach advocating heightened law enforcement powers raises critical questions about civil liberties and the potential for longer-term solutions to Ecuador’s challenges.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
