The upcoming April presidential run-off in Ecuador is set to be a riveting contest between the incumbent, Daniel Noboa, and the leftist candidate, Luisa Gonzalez. This unexpected match-up mirrors the snap election held in 2023, with both candidates vying for the highest office in the country.
Initial polls had favored Noboa, a 37-year-old scion of a wealthy business family, to secure a decisive victory, possibly even in the first round. However, as the votes were tallied on Sunday, he found himself with less than a one-point lead over Gonzalez. This close margin may elevate the importance of the candidates who finished in third and fourth place, potentially becoming the kingmakers in this closely contested race.
With over 80% of the ballot boxes counted, Noboa had garnered 44.5% of the votes, narrowly edging out Gonzalez with 44%. Despite these results, Noboa refrained from addressing his supporters on Sunday evening.
Throughout his campaign, Noboa has focused on his achievements during his 15-month tenure, including a 15% reduction in violent deaths, efforts to combat prison violence, and successful operations against major criminal syndicates. He has pledged to maintain a strong military presence on the streets and in correctional facilities to tackle the pervasive issue of insecurity in the country.
On the other hand, Gonzalez, a 47-year-old leftist endorsed by former President Rafael Correa, has emphasized the need for a more robust approach to combatting crime, particularly the drug trade-related offenses that have plagued Ecuador in recent years. She has proposed launching large-scale military and police operations, cracking down on corrupt judicial officials, and implementing targeted social programs in high-crime areas.
Meanwhile, indigenous leader Leonidas Iza, known for leading protests that nearly ousted Noboa’s predecessor, garnered 4.8% of the votes. Andrea Gonzalez, a former vice presidential candidate of an anti-corruption advocate who was assassinated, secured 2.7% of the votes.
Despite their differences, Luisa Gonzalez congratulated Iza on his performance and hinted at a possible collaboration in the run-off. Iza, a vocal critic of Noboa, has raised concerns about the incumbent’s policy decisions and alleged intentions to privatize state assets. However, he has also been critical of Correa’s administration.
As the final results were tallied on Sunday night, Iza announced that his movement would collectively decide on endorsing a candidate for the run-off. Andrea Gonzalez, not related to Luisa Gonzalez, previously ran alongside Fernando Villavicencio, who was shot following a campaign rally in 2023. Villavicencio was known for his staunch opposition to Correa’s government.
Gonzalez, running under the banner of former President Lucio Gutierrez’s party, has indicated her support for Noboa in the upcoming run-off. Luisa Gonzalez, in a conciliatory gesture,
