Ecuador Declares State of Exception Ahead of Presidential Runoff

President Daniel Noboa enforces emergency measures to address surging violence, as voters prepare for a tightly contested election.

President Daniel Noboa declared a state of exception on April 13, 2025, citing escalating violence by organized armed groups.
The emergency measures include army deployment, suspension of assembly rights, and nighttime curfews across affected regions.
Ecuador is set to hold a closely contested presidential runoff between Noboa and leftist challenger Luisa González, with polls predicting a narrow race.
The country faces a severe crime wave, with its murder rate surging and drug cartels exploiting its position as a hub for cocaine trafficking.
Economic struggles, including a recession and rising poverty, have heightened public concerns, shaping the polarized election debate.