Ecuadorian voters have shown a strong preference for President Daniel Noboa, a wealthy, young conservative with a controversial approach to tackling crime. He secured 55.8% of the vote, according to the National Electoral Council, which indicated an “irreversible trend” in his favor. However, his opponent, Luisa González, has pledged to pursue a recount, claiming there was “grotesque” electoral fraud.

President Noboa’s victory secures him a term to carry out the anti-crime policies he initially proposed in 2023 when he unexpectedly won an early election. His stance on crime, which is popular among some constituents but has also raised concerns about the limits of legal and governance standards, will likely continue to shape Ecuador’s criminal justice landscape.

Voters were primarily influenced by the significant rise in violence, which has been linked to the trafficking of drugs from neighboring countries. Both candidates had promised aggressive crime-fighting measures, improved support for law enforcement, and international cooperation to combat the drug trade.

While Noboa’s supporters view his administration as a much-needed change for the better, there is a concern over his authoritarian leanings. On the other hand, González’s supporters are disheartened by the possible return of authoritarian and economically straining policies associated with former President Rafael Correa.

Election authorities reported over 80% voter turnout, with voting mandatory for adults up to 65 years of age. Notable irregularities included arrests for double voting, counterfeit ballots, and unauthorized photography of cast votes.

Noboa’s crime-fighting tactics have been under scrutiny for their strictness and allegations of electoral irregularities he pointed out after the first round of voting, though international observers did not find evidence of fraud. Despite his win, there are calls for reconciliation and adherence to democratic principles to avoid further polarization and potential conflict in the country, which has faced a history of political turmoil and corruption.

Source: https://time.com/7277460/ecuador-presidential-election-results-daniel-noboa-crime-fraud/