- Daniel Noboa declared Ecuador’s president after securing over 55% of votes.
- Rival Luisa González demands a recount, alleging irregularities.
- Noboa’s campaign focused on tackling crime and economic revitalization.
- Ecuador faces challenges of surging violence and energy crises.
- International observers confirm election results align with their findings.
Daniel Noboa Declared President of Ecuador
Daniel Noboa, a 37-year-old businessman and conservative politician, has been declared the winner of Ecuador’s presidential election held on Sunday. The announcement was made by the National Electoral Council (CNE) after preliminary results showed Noboa securing 55.8% of the vote, compared to his rival Luisa González’s 44.2%. With over 90% of ballots counted, CNE President Diana Atamaint stated that the trend in Noboa’s favor was irreversible.
Rival Luisa González Demands Recount
Despite the significant margin of over one million votes, Noboa’s opponent, leftist lawyer Luisa González, has refused to concede. Speaking to her supporters in Quito, González alleged irregularities in the electoral process and demanded a recount. “In the name of the people we represent, we do not recognize the results presented by the National Electoral Council,” González declared. She criticized the election outcome, claiming it did not reflect the will of the people.
Observers from the Organization of American States (OAS), however, have confirmed that the election results are consistent with their findings during the voting process. Arturo Moscoso, a political science expert at Ecuador’s International University, noted that González’s demand for a recount is unlikely to succeed without concrete evidence of irregularities.
Noboa’s Vision for Ecuador
Daniel Noboa’s campaign centered on combating crime and revitalizing Ecuador’s struggling economy. His slogan, “New Ecuador,” reflects his promise to address the country’s pressing issues, including surging violence, economic instability, and an ongoing energy crisis. Noboa has pledged to continue his controversial measures, such as deploying military forces to combat gang activity and constructing a new maximum-security prison.
Under Noboa’s leadership, Ecuador has seen a 15% reduction in violent deaths over the past year, according to government data. However, the country still faces significant challenges, with more than 1,000 homicides reported in the first quarter of this year alone. Organized crime research center InSight Crime has identified Ecuador as having the highest homicide rate in Latin America.
Security: A Key Concern for Voters
Security was a dominant issue during the election, with many voters expressing concerns about the country’s escalating violence. “Tranquility is the most important thing for the country because there is a lot of insecurity,” one voter told CNN. Noboa has sought international assistance to address the crime wave, forming strategic alliances with foreign governments and private defense contractors. Notably, he has proposed lifting a constitutional ban on foreign military bases to bolster Ecuador’s security infrastructure.
Economic Challenges Ahead
In addition to security, Noboa faces the daunting task of revitalizing Ecuador’s economy. The country has struggled to recover from the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, with rising unemployment and a shrinking GDP. Noboa has outlined plans to attract foreign investment, increase tax revenues, and boost oil sector productivity. His administration has already secured a $3.5 billion deal with the International Monetary Fund to stabilize the country’s finances.
However, critics argue that Noboa’s policies may not adequately address the needs of Ecuador’s poorest citizens. González, who ran on a platform of “Revive Ecuador,” advocated for increased social spending and the reinstatement of the Ministry of Justice. She also opposed foreign intervention in tackling crime, favoring preventive measures and community-based solutions.
Election Day Security Measures
To ensure a secure voting process, the government deployed 45,000 troops across the country on election day. Electoral authorities also implemented strict measures to prevent voter intimidation, including prohibiting the use of cameras at polling stations. These actions followed reports of criminal groups coercing voters during the first round of elections earlier this year.
What Lies Ahead
Daniel Noboa’s full term as president will begin in May, marking a critical period for Ecuador as it grapples with its most pressing challenges. While his victory has been welcomed by investors, who anticipate economic stability under his leadership, Noboa must navigate a deeply divided political landscape. His National Democratic Action party holds 66 seats in the legislature, one fewer than González’s Citizens’ Revolution party, leaving him without a clear majority.
As Ecuador’s youngest-ever president, Noboa faces high expectations to deliver on his promises of security and economic growth. Whether he can unite the country and implement effective solutions remains to be seen.