Ecuador’s elections on February 9, 2025, led to a runoff between current President Daniel Noboa and Correista candidate Luisa González. Concerns over unemployment and insecurity dominate the electoral landscape, with Noboa advocating for increased military involvement and González promoting social investments. As violence rises, particularly homicides, voters face a pivotal decision on the nation’s future direction come the second round on April 13.
On February 9, 2025, Ecuador held general elections, where over 11 million voters elected national leaders, including the president, vice president, and assembly members. The new National Legislative Assembly, set to take office on May 14, will be predominantly split between the center-left Movimiento Revolución Ciudadana (RC) and the center-right Acción Democrática Nacional (ADN). A second round of presidential elections is scheduled for April 13, with incumbent Daniel Noboa facing Correista candidate Luisa González, whom he had previously defeated in 2023.
Both candidates must address critical issues that concern the voters, particularly severe unemployment and increasing insecurity. According to IPSOS, 75% of Ecuadorians are concerned about these problems. Public safety has deteriorated under the last three administrations, with Ecuador having the highest homicide rate in Latin America. In January 2025, violent deaths surged to 732, up from 487 the previous year, largely due to inadequate public investment in healthcare and education, as noted by security expert Luis Córdova.
In response to escalating violence, Noboa proposes intensifying military involvement in public safety, following a decree for “internal armed conflict.” This policy arose after an armed attack on a television station and a subsequent military deployment on the streets. However, this strategy faces criticism due to accusations against the military related to the forced disappearance of four minors in December 2024, raising concerns over human rights violations.
Noboa’s further plan includes constitutional reforms to enforce pre-trial detention for terrorism-related charges, aiming to prevent the release of suspects before trial. Conversely, González emphasizes social investment to combat insecurity, promoting victim protection and rehabilitation initiatives, along with the restoration of governmental bodies critical to social oversight and security planning.
González advocates for transparency in political financing through an “ethical pact,” encouraging public participation in monitoring political activities to counteract alleged links between candidates and drug trafficking. Despite skepticism from critics like Noboa, González aims to foster participatory democracy to enhance institutional integrity and accountability.
With the second round of elections approaching in April 2025, Ecuadorians will decide between Noboa’s militarized approach to security and González’s social reform strategies, ultimately shaping the nation’s direction for the next four years.
The upcoming runoff election in Ecuador highlights two contrasting approaches to tackle violence and insecurity: Noboa’s militarization versus González’s social investment strategies. Both candidates face critical questions about public safety and social support systems, reflecting the electorate’s pressing concerns over safety and employment. Voters must choose which approach they believe can best foster societal change and reduce violence in Ecuador.
Original Source: globalvoices.org
