Overview

• Ecuadorians will vote on Sunday in a closely contested presidential runoff between President Daniel Noboa and leftist candidate Luisa González.
• Crime and economic recovery dominate voter concerns, with both candidates promoting tough-on-crime policies and job creation plans.
• Noboa highlights his 'Phoenix' security plan, credited with a reduction in violent deaths, while González proposes increased police presence and community peace initiatives.
• The election follows a tumultuous period of escalating violence linked to drug trafficking and a sluggish post-pandemic economic recovery.
• Electoral authorities have implemented measures to prevent voter coercion, including banning ballot photography, with violations carrying steep fines.