Incumbent Daniel Noboa leads the Ecuador presidential election with 45.6% votes counted; his rival, Luisa Gonzalez, follows with 42.9%. Noboa’s military deployment claims a reduction in violence. A majority win today or a potential run-off in April depends on final counting, with strong voter vigilance advised to avoid fraud.
In Ecuador’s presidential election, incumbent Daniel Noboa is currently in the lead with 45.6% of the vote, while his closest rival, leftist Luisa Gonzalez, has 42.9%. Approximately 30% of ballot boxes have been counted. Noboa, who began his term in 2023, attributes his success in reducing violence to the deployment of military forces in public and prison settings, resulting in a 15% decrease in violent deaths and improved prison security.
Noboa faces 15 challengers who argue that more aggressive measures must be taken to tackle drug-related crime, which has significantly impacted Ecuador recently. While some proposed solutions require complex legislative changes, Noboa emphasizes ongoing actions such as increased security along borders and ports. The 37-year-old businessman stated his intention to secure a decisive victory in this election.
Recent polls have suggested that Noboa might achieve an outright win by receiving more than 50% of the vote or over 40% while maintaining a leading margin of 10 points. An exit poll conducted by Diego Tello Estrategas indicated a slightly higher tally for Noboa at 50.12%, with Gonzalez at 42.21%. However, variable margins of error may affect this result.
There is potential for a run-off in April if Noboa fails to secure a majority today. Both candidates have advised their supporters to monitor vote counts at polling stations to ensure transparency. Former President Rafael Correa, Gonzalez’s mentor, urged her supporters to remain vigilant at the polls throughout the counting process.
Ecuador has been experiencing significant challenges related to drug-related violence and crime, leading to the deployment of military forces for public safety. In the wake of these problems, the political landscape has become increasingly competitive, with various candidates proposing diverse solutions to address security and governance issues. Daniel Noboa’s recent electoral success signifies public support for his approach, while opposition candidates push for broader and potentially more radical reforms to confront ongoing security threats effectively.
As of now, incumbent Daniel Noboa is leading the vote count in Ecuador’s presidential election, with the possibility of either an outright win or a run-off against Luisa Gonzalez still in play. Noboa’s focus on security improvements has garnered significant public support, but challengers call for more decisive action against drug-related crime. With voter engagement high, the election’s outcome remains a critical indicator of Ecuador’s path forward in addressing its pressing security challenges.
Original Source: gazette.com
