Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa has claimed irregularities in the election without evidence, after securing a tight lead for the second round against Luisa González. Both candidates have raised concerns about the vote, but international observers, including the OAS and EU, found no significant issues, labeling the election as transparent. Analysts point to a decline in democratic norms and growing violence from drug cartels, complicating the country’s political situation.
Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa has raised doubts about the first round of the presidential election results, alleging “irregularities” without providing evidence. He reached the second round of voting with a narrow lead over leftist candidate Luisa González, who also cited concerns about inconsistencies in the vote. During a live interview, Noboa stated, “We kept counting, we kept checking… there were things that didn’t add up.” He further accused armed groups of coercing voters to support González.
In response, the Organization of American States (OAS) refuted Noboa’s claims, asserting that their quick count aligned with the National Electoral Council’s results, and indicated no widespread irregularities detected. The OAS emphasized their commitment to ensuring electoral transparency, stating, “the results presented by the National Electoral Council coincide with the data obtained through the quick count.”
Additionally, the European Union’s observation team described the election as “transparent, well-organized, and peaceful,” dismissing allegations of fraud as misinformation. They noted, “Disinformation was rife, with particularly virulent narratives of fraud towards the end of the campaign,” highlighting an ongoing struggle with trust in electoral processes.
Security analyst Jean Paul Pinto remarked on the erosion of democratic norms in Ecuador, pointing to Noboa’s reliance on decrees for significant governance decisions. Pinto criticized Noboa’s attempts to govern akin to the private sector, asserting it’s inappropriate for state leadership, especially given recent controversies such as the arrest of a former vice president at a foreign embassy.
Pinto further explained that much of the support for González stems from a desire to oppose Noboa, rather than a genuine preference for her policies. He indicated that increasing violence driven by drug cartels has complicated the political landscape, affecting voter sentiment in certain provinces. He criticized Noboa’s claims of armed groups influencing ballots as dangerous, suggesting it undercuts national sovereignty and contributes to perceptions of Ecuador as a “narco state.”
The article underscores President Noboa’s unfounded allegations of electoral fraud following the first round of Ecuador’s presidential elections. Both Noboa and González expressed concerns over election irregularities, which were dismissed by international observers. The broader context reveals potential democratic backsliding, characterized by Noboa’s governing style and the influence of organized crime in the country, complicating the electoral landscape.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
