BOGOTA, Colombia
Ecuador is preparing for a closely contested presidential runoff election Sunday, with polls predicting a narrow margin between right-wing incumbent Daniel Noboa and leftist candidate Luisa González.
Noboa, representing the Accion Democratica Nacional coalition, is seeking re-election after his 2023 victory.
He has campaigned on a law-and-order platform, pledging to combat drug trafficking and gang violence, but has faced criticism for failing to deliver on promised security improvements despite militarizing the country.
Noboa’s campaign emphasizes economic stability and attracting foreign investment, arguing that a strong economy is essential for addressing the security challenges.
González, the candidate for the Revolucion Ciudadana Party and a protégé of former leftist President Rafael Correa, has focused on social justice, promising to expand welfare programs.
She has pledged to improve education and address economic vulnerabilities for young people, who she asserts are susceptible to recruitment by drug trafficking networks due to limited opportunities.
On issues like immigration, González has adopted a more hardline stance, vowing to deport Venezuelan migrants whom she accuses of contributing to job losses and crime.
In the first round of voting Feb. 9, Noboa secured a narrow victory, defeating González by less than 17,000 votes.
Sunday’s polls suggest a similar outcome.
The election is taking place amid economic instability, rising poverty, power outages, and a surge in violent crime. In response to the escalating violence, Noboa declared a 60-day state of emergency Saturday in seven provinces, including the capital, Quito.
Ecuador, once considered a peaceful nation in a region plagued by violence, has become one of the most violent countries in Latin America, with a homicide rate of 39 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2024. The first two months of 2025 saw a 72% increase in homicides compared to the same period in 2024.
The elections, which were called prematurely by then-President Guillermo Lasso to avoid an impeachment trial on corruption allegations, were marked by the assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio.
Voting is mandatory in Ecuador, where more than 13 million eligible voters will choose the president.
The winner of Sunday’s runoff will assume the presidency May 24 for a four-year term.
Polls are scheduled to open at 7 a.m. local time (1200GMT) and close at 5 p.m (2200GMT).
