Ecuador Votes in Presidential Election Amid Deepening Crisis
The election pits incumbent Daniel Noboa against leftist Luisa González, with crime, economic instability, and social unrest dominating the campaigns.
- Incumbent President Daniel Noboa, 37, seeks to secure a full term, campaigning on a hardline approach to crime reduction and military deployment.
- Noboa claims his policies have reduced violent deaths and curbed gang activity, but critics argue more needs to be done to tackle Ecuador's security crisis.
- Challenger Luisa González, a protégé of former President Rafael Correa, pledges to address crime through social justice measures and increased investment in public services.
- Ecuador faces multiple crises, including record-high violence tied to the drug trade, an economic downturn, and ongoing energy shortages caused by drought.
- If no candidate secures more than 50% of the vote or a 10-point lead, a runoff election will take place on April 13.