Overview

• Ecuadorians are voting in a closely contested presidential runoff between President Daniel Noboa and leftist candidate Luisa González, with polls showing a statistical tie.
• The election follows Noboa's declaration of a 60-day state of emergency in several provinces, citing escalating drug-related violence and organized crime.
• Noboa promotes hardline security measures, including military deployments and potential U.S. military cooperation, while González emphasizes social spending and economic reforms.
• Economic challenges, including high unemployment, recession, and energy shortages, remain central concerns for voters in this deeply divided nation.
• Geopolitical factors loom large, with U.S. intelligence favoring Noboa's reelection and discussions of a potential U.S. military presence in Ecuador.