In a stunning electoral victory on Sunday, Daniel Noboa was re-elected as president of Ecuador, securing a decisive win over his left-wing opponent, Luisa Gonzalez. The result marked a continuation of the 37-year-old incumbent’s aggressive stance on crime and security, particularly the violence wrought by drug cartels in the country.
With over 90% of votes counted, the National Election Council reported Noboa leading by a comfortable margin, capturing 56% of the vote compared to Gonzalez’s 44%. The scale of Noboa’s victory exceeded pre-election expectations, with analysts predicting a tight contest after the first-round vote.
During his victory speech in Olon, Noboa addressed the crowd, exclaiming, “A huge hug to all those Ecuadorians who always believed in this young president!” He vowed to address the nation’s pressing issues, including the ongoing drug-related violence and economic instability.
The election, however, was marred by controversy. Gonzalez, who was aiming to become the country’s first female president, voiced immediate concerns about the integrity of the election, alleging “grotesque electoral fraud” and calling for a recount. She did not provide evidence to support these claims, but her accusations have cast a shadow over the legitimacy of the election.
Noboa’s victory is largely attributed to his tough security policies aimed at combating the cartels that have transformed Ecuador from one of the safest nations in Latin America into one of the deadliest. The president has deployed the military to take control of troubled areas, captured notorious drug lords, and invited U.S. forces to assist in the crackdown. On the eve of the election, Noboa declared a 60-day state of emergency in the capital, Quito, and other regions suffering from cartel violence.
The surge in violence has also stunted the country’s economy, with poverty levels rising to 28% and crime spiraling out of control. Businesses and tourists alike have been spooked by the violence, with the country now averaging a homicide every hour due to the ongoing turf wars between competing criminal groups.
Despite Gonzalez’s defeat, many of her supporters remain hopeful for future reform. Political analyst Ruth Hidalgo noted that Gonzalez’s close ties to former President Rafael Correa may have hurt her campaign. Correa, now in exile to avoid corruption charges, remains a polarizing figure in Ecuador.
Noboa’s re-election signals a continuation of his hardline approach to national security and governance. His supporters, like 26-year-old Natalie Ulloa, expressed hope that the president would follow through on his promises to tackle violence and bolster Ecuador’s economic recovery.
As the country faces its political and economic challenges, the road ahead will undoubtedly be turbulent, with deep divisions over the future of Ecuador’s leadership.