Ecuador’s Presidential Election: A Battle Against Crime and Corruption
GUAYAQUIL, Ecuador (AP) — As Ecuadorians head to the polls this Sunday, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The presidential election is shaping up to be a repeat of the contentious 2023 race, where voters opted for the young, conservative millionaire Daniel Noboa over Luisa González, the leftist candidate backed by the country’s most influential president of the past two decades. With crime and violence dominating the national conversation, the outcome of this election could determine the future direction of a nation grappling with the fallout from rampant drug trafficking and gang violence.
At the heart of this election are two clear front-runners: President Daniel Noboa, who has been in office for just over a year, and Luisa González, a protégé of former President Rafael Correa. Both candidates have made bold promises to tackle the pervasive crime that has turned daily life into a struggle for many Ecuadorians. With over 13.7 million eligible voters, the pressure is on to see who can deliver real change in a country where personal safety has become a pressing concern.
A Nation on Edge
Ecuador’s surge in violence is closely linked to the cocaine trade, with drug trafficking from neighboring Colombia and Peru wreaking havoc on communities. Marta Barres, a 35-year-old mother of three, expressed her frustration as she stood in line to vote. “For me, this president is disastrous,” she said, referring to Noboa. “Can he change things in four more years? No. He hasn’t done anything.” Barres, who pays a local gang $25 a month to avoid harassment, is casting her vote for González, hoping for a leader who can bring about meaningful change.
Voting is mandatory in Ecuador, and the atmosphere at polling stations reflects the urgency of the moment. In Guayaquil, voters braved light rain and then scorching sun to make their voices heard. The election process is closely monitored, with over 100,000 police and military personnel deployed to ensure safety at voting centers.
Noboa’s Record and Controversies
Daniel Noboa, 37, comes from a wealthy family known for its banana trade empire. His political journey began in 2021, and he quickly rose to prominence, winning the presidency in a snap election last year. Under his leadership, the homicide rate saw a slight decline, from 46.18 per 100,000 people in 2023 to 38.76 in 2024. However, this figure remains alarmingly high compared to just 6.85 per 100,000 in 2019.
Noboa’s aggressive approach to crime has drawn both support and criticism. His declaration of a state of internal armed conflict in early 2024 allowed for military mobilization in crime-ridden areas, but some question whether his tactics respect the rule of law. Supporters like retired doctor Pablo Votruba praise his direct confrontation with drug-trafficking groups, while others remain skeptical about the effectiveness of his strategies.
González: A Voice for Change
Luisa González, 47, is no stranger to politics, having held various government roles during Correa’s presidency. She emerged as a candidate after the dissolution of the National Assembly in 2023, gaining traction as a voice for hope and change. “They are the fear, we are the hope,” she declared after casting her vote in her hometown. Her supporters believe she can restore stability and address the deep-rooted issues plaguing Ecuador.
However, the election has not been without its challenges. Security concerns led to a brief standoff preventing another presidential candidate, Andrea González (no relation), from entering her polling station with her security detail. This incident underscores the tense atmosphere surrounding the election.
Voter Sentiment: A Mix of Hope and Despair
As voters like architecture student Keila Torres wait to cast their ballots, many express a sense of disillusionment. “If I could, I wouldn’t be here,” she said, reflecting on her experiences with crime in the city. Having witnessed multiple robberies and narrowly escaping a carjacking, Torres is skeptical that any candidate can effectively address the systemic corruption that fuels crime in Ecuador.
With the election looming, the question remains: will Ecuadorians choose to give Noboa another chance, or will they turn to González in search of a new direction? As the votes are cast, the nation holds its breath, hoping for a leader who can truly make a difference in the fight against crime and corruption.
