Ecuadorians Cast Votes in Pivotal Presidential Runoff

Incumbent Daniel Noboa and challenger Luisa Gonzalez vie for leadership as the nation confronts cartel violence and economic uncertainty.

Ecuador's presidential runoff election is underway, with voting scheduled to close at 5:00 PM local time today.
The race between Daniel Noboa and Luisa Gonzalez follows a narrow first-round vote in February, separated by less than 17,000 votes.
Noboa emphasizes hardline security policies, including military deployments and states of emergency, to combat rising cartel violence.
Gonzalez, seeking to become Ecuador's first female president, advocates for expanded social programs and economic reforms targeting poverty and unemployment.
Over 13 million Ecuadorians are required to vote in this mandatory election, reflecting high public engagement during a period of national crisis.