By Alexandra Valencia
QUITO (Reuters) – The issue of drug-related violence in Ecuador is once again front and center for many voters in the upcoming presidential election. President Daniel Noboa highlights some progress in tackling the violence, but his rivals argue that more needs to be done.
Noboa, a scion of a banana business empire, came to power in 2023 with a focus on combating rising crime rates. He has utilized presidential decrees to deploy the military on the streets and in prisons, as well as strengthen security at ports. Noboa has designated 22 criminal organizations as terrorist groups and imposed longer sentences for drug crimes and terrorism.
According to Noboa, these measures have led to a 15% decrease in violent deaths in 2024, a significant reduction in prison fatalities, and the capture of key gang leaders. However, his opponents, such as leftist candidate Luisa Gonzalez, argue that more aggressive actions are necessary. Gonzalez proposes major military and police operations, addressing alleged judicial corruption, and providing law enforcement with advanced technology. She also advocates for social spending in high-crime areas.
The predominant tough stance on crime among the leading candidates mirrors a broader trend in Latin America, where leaders are shifting towards stricter punitive measures against rampant gang activities, sometimes at the expense of civil liberties.
Eager for increased security and job opportunities, voters seem open to these approaches, with some polls suggesting Noboa is close to securing a first-round victory on Feb. 9. Supporters believe that Noboa must continue his efforts to combat crime, drug trafficking, and insecurity.
Noboa’s campaign centered on security issues has bolstered his standing and could lead to more military interventions and international cooperation against crime if he secures a full term. The president emphasizes the need for more time to implement his comprehensive security plan and other pledges on security and employment.
While Noboa aims for a first-round win, polls suggest a potential second-round contest in April with Gonzalez. Despite facing challenges, Noboa’s determination to address security concerns and fight corruption remains steadfast as he seeks to guide Ecuador towards a safer and more stable future.
Failed to fulfill his 2023 promise of housing the most dangerous criminals on prison boats, and the increase in value-added tax for security purposes has not yielded results. “He hasn’t lacked time, but rather truth, knowledge, capacity, experience, and, above all, love for the people and the country,” Gonzalez declared at a rally in Latacunga on Jan. 27. “With a murder occurring every hour, perhaps for Noboa’s administration, it’s just a statistic.” Despite a decrease in the rate of violent deaths last year based on government data, Gonzalez points to a recent surge. Reports in local media, citing the police, indicate 658 violent deaths were registered from Jan. 1 to Jan. 26, one of the highest monthly levels in the past three years and 220 more than in January of the previous year. The police did not respond to Reuters’ request for comment.
Other contenders are proposing harsh penalties such as the death penalty or life imprisonment for murderers and rapists, the dismissal of officials, increased military presence on Ecuador’s borders, and the construction of new prisons. Local civil rights organizations have raised concerns about the necessity for safeguards, with many of these suggestions requiring constitutional amendments and facing challenging approvals in a divided national assembly.
Noboa asserts that initiatives like military deployment, enhanced security at ports, and the establishment of new prisons are already in progress. “By reinforcing his narrative of being tough on crime, the rival candidates not only validate Noboa’s actions but also imply that what he is doing is commendable,” noted independent political analyst Alfredo Espinoza. “It appears they lack alternative strategies.”
(Reporting by Alexandra Valencia; Editing by Julia Symmes Cobb and Rosalba O’Brien)