Overview

• Daniel Noboa has been declared the winner of Ecuador's presidential runoff with 56% of the vote, but his opponent, Luisa Gonzalez, has alleged fraud and called for a recount.
• The election in Ecuador occurred in the context of severe security issues, with rampant gang violence making it the most violent country in South America by murder rate.
• In Gabon, Brice Oligui Nguema, who led a coup in August 2023 ending 55 years of Bongo family rule, has won the presidential election with 90.35% of the vote.
• Gabon’s election was noted for its calm and orderly process, with international observers reporting minimal incidents and a voter turnout of 70.4%.
• These elections highlight broader regional shifts, with Ecuador grappling with internal instability and Gabon completing a transition from military rule to constitutional governance.