Ecuadorians are voting in a presidential election influenced by drug-related violence. Incumbent Daniel Noboa and challenger Luisa González are the leading candidates, both promising to address rising crime. Voting is compulsory, and many voters express grave concerns over safety and extortion, reflecting the gravity of the situation.
Ecuadorians are currently participating in a presidential election that resembles the previous race of 2023. The prominent candidates include the incumbent, Daniel Noboa, and Luisa González, who are both vying for the presidency amidst escalating drug-related violence and crime. The 16 candidates have committed to tackling the pervasive insecurity that has emerged in recent years due to drug trafficking from neighboring Colombia and Peru.
The alarming rise in violence has significantly impacted citizens, with many experiencing the effects of crime firsthand. This reality will likely influence voter decisions in the upcoming election. Voting remains compulsory in Ecuador, and in Guayaquil, voters braved the weather to cast their ballots, highlighting their determination to effect change.
Marta Barres, a mother burdened by gang extortion fees, expressed disillusionment with the incumbent president. “For me, this president is disastrous… I would vote for González because she could reduce crime and improve the economy.” This sentiment underscores the urgency many Ecuadorians feel toward addressing the crime crisis.
Over 13.7 million Ecuadorians are eligible to vote, with candidates required to secure either 50% of the votes or 40% with a 10-point gap from the nearest contender. Should no candidate achieve this, a runoff election is scheduled for April 13. Noboa previously triumphed over González in a runoff during the October 2023 snap election.
Daniel Noboa, who comes from a wealthy family in the banana trade, began his political career in 2021 and has since served as a lawmaker. Despite a reduction in the homicide rate, it remains alarmingly high compared to prior years. As crime steadily continues to plague the nation, voters remain skeptical about the potential for significant change.
Students like Keila Torres highlight their frustrations with crime and governance. Torres has directly faced criminal threats, viewing current candidates as incapable of addressing deep-seated corruption. She recounted instances of intimidation related to gang influence during the election, indicating the pervasive impact of organized crime in shaping electoral outcomes.
Luisa González, representing a continuation of Rafael Correa’s policies, has a past intertwined with government roles under his administration. Despite being new to many voters, her selection as a presidential candidate has ignited interest amid the prevailing civic unrest. The upcoming election represents a critical juncture for Ecuador as citizens seek effective leadership in combating violence.
The political landscape in Ecuador is deeply influenced by the pervasive gang violence tied to drug trafficking. The country has experienced destabilizing crime rates, largely attributed to drugs imported from Colombia and Peru, leading to significant public concern about safety and governance. This election, drawing from the prior year’s contest, sees prominent politicians wrestling with issues of crime, economic stability, and the overarching influence of organized crime on political choice.
The upcoming presidential election in Ecuador is marked by pressing concerns regarding drug-related violence and public safety. Voters are grappling with the enduring effects of crime, which will be pivotal in determining the election’s outcome. Both candidates have promised to tackle these challenges, yet skepticism remains high among the populace concerning the potential for genuine change amid entrenched corruption and gang activity.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
