Daniel Noboa leads the polls as a favorite, and Luisa González follows in second; claim happens with closed borders amid the high rates of violence and electric crisis in the country
This Sunday (9), Ecuadorian citizens go to the polls to participate in the presidential and legislative elections. The candidate who leads the polls is Daniel Noboa, who seeks reelection in a challenging scenario, where he faces the competition of Luisa González, representative of the left. The country is going through a severe crisis of violence, with the homicide rate increasing five times in just three years, as well as an unprecedented energy crisis, which results in frequent blackouts.
According to the Quito Chamber of Commerce, between September and October, the economy of the It suffered a significant loss of $ 18 million due to blackouts, which also resulted in the elimination of more than 263,000 jobs. Noboa, who is the son of one of the richest entrepreneurs in the country, ruled with a center-right approach and implemented rigorous policies to combat crime. Although there was a 16% drop in homicides in 2023, January 2024 recorded the highest rates of violence since 2014.
Ecuador has become a strategic point for cocaine trafficking, serving as a sending route to Colombia and Peru towards Europe and Central America. This situation has led many Ecuadorians to seek shelter in in search of safety and better living conditions. The presidential elections take place in an environment marked by political and social instability, with the country undergoing three claims in a four -year break.
The current political conjuncture of Ecuador is complex, reflecting the dissatisfaction of the population with the security situation and the economy. This Sunday’s election is the third over the last four years. The first of these happened in February and April 2021, with the 1st and 2nd round resulting in the victory to Guillermo Lasso. The second in August and October 2023, which in the first and 2nd round gave Victory to Daniel Noboa. Finally, this month, the latest election race happens with Noboa and Luíza González as the favorite candidates.
*Report produced with the aid of AI
Posted by Victor Oliveira
