Ecuador elections seen as referendum on a war on drugs | DW News

Ecuador Presidential Runoff Election: Summary

Key Concepts:

• Presidential Runoff Election
• Center-Right vs. Left-Wing Candidates
• Drug Cartel Violence
• State of Emergency
• Economic Crisis
• Corruption
• Security Crisis
• Infrastructure Issues (Blackouts)

Election Context and Security Concerns

Ecuador is holding runoff presidential elections amidst a backdrop of significant challenges, including unemployment and escalating violence linked to cocaine trafficking from neighboring Colombia and Peru. Nearly 14 million Ecuadorians are voting to elect a leader to navigate the country through its worst crisis in half a century. The election campaign has been marked by tight security measures, heightened after the assassination of a leading candidate in the 2023 election cycle. A state of emergency was declared in seven of Ecuador's 24 provinces, including the capital Quito, to combat a surge in killings.

Candidates and Their Platforms

The election pits the incumbent center-right candidate, Daniel Noboa, against his left-wing challenger, Luisa Gonzalez.

• Daniel Noboa: Noboa, the 37-year-old heir to a banana industry fortune, won a special election in 2023 to complete his predecessor's term and is now seeking a full four-year term. His campaign has focused on a crackdown on drug cartels, which he blames for transforming Ecuador from one of Latin America's most peaceful nations into one of its most violent. He secured 44.17% of the vote in the first round. Noboa's slogan is "We continue for that new Ecuador. We continue fighting for that country that only moves forward a country that cannot return to the past a country that cannot bring back the bad habits of old politics".
• Luisa Gonzalez: Gonzalez's campaign slogan is "Revitalize Ecuador." She has close ties to former left-wing President Rafael Correa, who is currently in exile due to corruption charges. Gonzalez garnered approximately 44% of the vote in the first round. Her message is "Let's go together hand in hand with me towards definitive change and bringing order to this country with security with jobs with social justice May God bless Ecuador".

Key Issues Facing Ecuador

Filippo Abandano, DW correspondent in Quito, highlights the most pressing issues facing the next president:

• Security Crisis: The murder rate is alarmingly high, with 2025 projected to be one of the bloodiest years in the country's history. Powerful drug trafficking gangs are operating, particularly in the north and on the coast of Guayaquil, seeking to establish cocaine export routes from Colombia.
• Infrastructure and Economic Challenges: Ecuador has experienced frequent blackouts due to inadequate infrastructure, significantly impacting the economy. Solutions to these infrastructure problems are urgently needed.

Voter Sentiment and Election Dynamics

The close polling numbers reflect voter dissatisfaction with both candidates. Some voters are casting their ballots against Noboa due to his perceived failure to deliver on promises to combat crime. Others are voting against Gonzalez, wary of a return to the policies and potential corruption associated with the Rafael Correa administration, despite Correa's era being remembered for a period of economic prosperity.

Conclusion

The Ecuadorian presidential runoff election is taking place under heightened security due to widespread violence. Voters are choosing between two candidates with contrasting ideologies and approaches to addressing the country's pressing issues, including drug-related violence, economic instability, and infrastructure deficits. The outcome remains uncertain, reflecting deep divisions and anxieties within Ecuadorian society. The next president will face the daunting task of restoring security, revitalizing the economy, and addressing systemic corruption.