Ecuador’s presidential election on February 9 pits President Daniel Noboa against 15 challengers, primarily focused on crime and economic concerns. Noboa seeks a full four-year term after serving part of his predecessor’s term. Voters prioritize security amidst rising violence and economic challenges, as Pols indicate a potential run-off against Luisa Gonzalez. The election encapsulates broader national struggles with crime and governance.
Ecuador is heading to the polls on February 9, with President Daniel Noboa seeking a full four-year term after his initial victory in a snap election 18 months prior. Noboa faces 15 challengers, with rising crime rates and economic challenges being critical issues among voters. His tenure has focused on law enforcement measures but has not curtailed violence linked to organized crime.
The election process requires a candidate to secure more than 50 percent of votes or at least 40 percent with a 10-point lead to win outright. If no candidate meets these thresholds, a run-off will occur on April 13 between the top two candidates. Besides the presidential race, all seats in Ecuador’s National Assembly are also up for election.
Noboa was elected just after his predecessor utilized the “muerte cruzada” mechanism, leading to a snap election. Noboa had been a National Assembly member when this constitutional measure removed the former president and dissolved the legislature. Winning a close second round from a tight race, he began serving 18 months of his predecessor’s term and now aims for a full term.
Polls indicate Noboa leads, albeit not enough to preclude a run-off; his principal opponent likely remains Luisa Gonzalez from the left-leaning Citizen Revolution party. Other candidates include Jan Topic, advocating for stricter crime prevention policies, and Leonidas Iza, representing Indigenous interests. The race is shadowed by past violence, including the assassination of a prominent anti-corruption candidate.
For the legislative elections, polls show Noboa’s party leading Gonzalez’s Citizen Revolution. The National Assembly will increase its size to 151 members. Current concerns among voters span rising living costs, economic opportunities, and worsened electricity supply, but crime remains paramount on public agendas. Ivan Briscoe notes, “It’s been reflected in survey after survey that this is concern number one.”
Ecuador, once seen as safe, now grapples with high murder rates linked to rising drug-trafficking activities, particularly as criminal organizations exploit the country’s geographic position. Noboa attributed this to his predecessors and rampant coca cultivation detected across many hectares. Following the pandemic’s economic fallout, youth unemployment has become a vulnerability factor in crime recruitment.
Proposed solutions emphasize tough measures, including military involvement in civil security. Noboa declares an internal conflict against these criminal entities. Although some improvements are noted, concerns remain regarding military abuse of power. Briscoe asserts that focusing solely on security without addressing underlying issues like corruption and socioeconomic disparities will ultimately be ineffective.
Ecuador’s upcoming presidential election is framed against a backdrop of rising violence and economic woes, prompting a critical referendum on President Daniel Noboa’s leadership. Noboa, elected under extraordinary circumstances, seeks to extend his term amidst public discontent over crime. The election’s outcome could reshape Ecuador’s political and social landscape, particularly through its implications for crime policy and legislative control. As violence escalates, both voters and candidates reflect deep concerns regarding national security and governance.
The upcoming presidential election in Ecuador is pivotal, with Daniel Noboa striving for a full term against a backdrop of significant crime and economic challenges. The citizens’ prioritization of safety and effective governance will influence the election’s outcome. The race not only involves leadership aspirations but also the broader fight against crime and institutional corruption, factors crucial for Ecuador’s stability and future prosperity.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
