Ecuadorians electing new president, choosing between an heir to a banana empire and an attorney

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Ecuadorians are facing a crucial choice in their upcoming presidential election, with a primary concern being safety due to escalating violence. The country is witnessing a runoff election featuring two candidates with limited governing experience: Daniel Noboa, heir to a prominent banana empire, and attorney Luisa González.

This election occurs against the backdrop of a surge in drug-related violence, which began approximately three years ago and escalated dramatically in August when a presidential candidate was assassinated in broad daylight. This wave of violence has left citizens living in fear, with many taking precautions such as limiting their outdoor activities. The anxiety is so pervasive that even Daniel Noboa has incorporated a bulletproof vest into his daily attire.

The winner of this election, secured with a simple majority of votes, will only hold office for 15 months, until May 2025, as the remainder of Guillermo Lasso’s presidency. Lasso, a former banker with conservative leanings, decided not to run in this special election after clashing with lawmakers during his term, which began in 2021. Under his administration, violent deaths reached a staggering 4,600 in 2022, doubling the previous year’s total and marking a historic high for the country. The National Police recorded 3,568 violent deaths in the first half of 2023.

The root cause of this surge in violence is attributed to cocaine trafficking, with Mexican, Colombian, and Balkan cartels establishing a presence in Ecuador and cooperating with local criminal organizations.

Ecuador mandates voting for citizens aged 18 to 64, with those failing to do so subject to a fine of approximately $45. The polls were set to close in the late afternoon, with results expected later in the evening.

Both Daniel Noboa and Luisa González, who have brief experience as lawmakers, advanced to the runoff after outperforming six other candidates in the initial election round on August 22.

Daniel Noboa, 35, hails from a family with a substantial fortune built on Ecuador’s primary crop, bananas. His political journey began in 2021 when he secured a seat in the National Assembly and chaired its Economic Development Commission. He established an event organizing company at the age of 18 and later joined his father’s Noboa Corp., where he held management positions in shipping, logistics, and commercial sectors.

Luisa González, 45, held various government positions during the ten-year presidency of her mentor, Rafael Correa, and served as a lawmaker until May. Initially, she positioned herself with Correa as her advisor, but she has recently attempted to create some distance from him in an effort to appeal to voters who oppose the former president.

This election carries significant implications for Ecuador’s future, as the chosen leader will face the formidable challenge of restoring safety and stability to a nation plagued by violence and insecurity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ecuadorian Presidential Election

More about Ecuadorian Presidential Election

• Ecuadorians Choose New President Amid Rising Violence
• Daniel Noboa – Heir to Banana Empire
• Luisa González – Attorney and Candidate
• Guillermo Lasso’s Presidency and Violence Statistics
• Root Causes of Violence in Ecuador
• Ecuador’s Mandatory Voting Laws
• Election Results and Candidate Profiles