Ecuador Presidential Race Heads to Runoff After Tight First Round

Incumbent Daniel Noboa and leftist challenger Luisa González nearly tied in a contentious election defined by violence and economic challenges.

With 91% of votes counted, Daniel Noboa leads with 44.3% while Luisa González trails closely with 43.8%, forcing a runoff on April 13.
Noboa, a 37-year-old neoliberal president, has faced criticism for failing to curb drug-related violence and economic instability during his tenure.
González, a socialist and protégé of former President Rafael Correa, has campaigned on promises of social justice, improved security, and economic reform.
The election is taking place in a country grappling with high homicide rates, poverty, and a public debt amounting to 57% of GDP.
Observers note the polarized nature of the race, with González representing a resurgence of the left and Noboa advocating for continuity of his hardline policies.