Ecuador’s presidential election has resulted in a “technical tie,” with incumbent President Daniel Noboa and his main challenger, left-wing candidate Luisa Gonzalez, heading to a run-off in April. The closely contested first-round vote has left the country divided, with both candidates garnering nearly identical support.
President Noboa, a center-right leader, has made tackling Ecuador’s rampant gang violence the hallmark of his administration. Under his leadership, the military has been deployed to combat crime both on the streets and within prisons. His measures have seen some success, including the capture of major gang leaders and a slight reduction in prison violence. However, Ecuador remains plagued by high crime rates, with 750 homicides recorded in January 2025 alone.
His supporters believe he deserves more time to continue his security policies. “He’s helped us a lot. The military presence has brought a sense of stability,” said Fernanda Iza, a Quito resident. However, critics argue that despite his tough stance on crime, insecurity remains a major issue. Additionally, Noboa faced backlash for his slow response to a severe drought that caused prolonged power cuts last year.
Luisa Gonzalez, a protégé of former president Rafael Correa, presents herself as a candidate of change. She has criticized Noboa for failing to deliver on economic growth, reducing fuel prices, and addressing insecurity effectively. While she has also proposed military and police operations to curb crime, her campaign focuses more on social spending to address the root causes of violence.
Her supporters argue that Ecuador’s security crisis is driven by poverty and economic instability. “We need a leader who truly understands Ecuadorian workers so the country can move forward,” said Gonzalo Cajas. Many voters disillusioned with Noboa are looking to Gonzalez as an alternative, though some remain skeptical about her ability to deliver real change.
The narrow election result has heightened political tensions, and the upcoming run-off is expected to be fiercely contested. Ecuador faces significant challenges, including high unemployment, a weak economy, and an ongoing energy crisis that led to power blackouts of up to 14 hours last year. While Noboa promises job creation and renewable energy expansion, Gonzalez prioritizes economic reform and poverty reduction.
As Ecuador braces for the second round, voters are left with a critical choice: continuity with Noboa’s security policies or a shift toward Gonzalez’s social investment agenda. With the country at a crossroads, the April election will determine its future trajectory.
