Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa is likely to win the upcoming election with support for his crime-fighting measures. Noboa claims a 15 percent drop in violent deaths, while his opponents urge for stronger action against drug-related crime. Both candidates are mobilizing their supporters to prevent electoral fraud, and the elections will also decide the National Assembly’s 151 members.
Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa appears poised to secure a victory in the upcoming presidential election, with voter support largely contingent upon his pledges to combat crime. Noboa, who took office in 2023, asserts that deploying the military on the streets and in prison facilities has led to a significant 15 percent decrease in violent deaths, a sharp reduction in prison disturbances, and the arrest of several notorious gang leaders.
Despite these claims, Noboa faces criticism from his 15 challengers, who argue that more comprehensive actions are necessary to address the drug-related violence that has plagued Ecuador in recent years. Proposed solutions from his opponents may require complex legislative approvals or adjustments to the constitution. However, Noboa contends that he is already implementing measures to enhance border and port security.
During his final campaign rally in Quito, Noboa expressed confidence in his administration’s achievements, stating, “Today Ecuador has changed and wants to keep changing – it wants to consolidate its triumph.” He urged voters to embrace the chance to bring their aspirations to fruition during the election on Sunday.
At 37 years of age, Noboa aims to secure a direct victory, with recent opinion polls suggesting he could achieve this by obtaining either over 50 percent of the vote or at least 40 percent while leading his closest competitor by 10 points. Some surveys indicate, however, that a run-off may be necessary against leftist candidate Luisa Gonzalez, should he not secure an outright win independent of her.
Both Noboa and Gonzalez have instructed their supporters to monitor the vote counts at polling places to safeguard against electoral fraud; Gonzalez’s party has rallied behind the call for a “defense of popular will.” Gonzalez, aged 47, has proposed extensive military and police operations to tackle crime, as well as a social spending initiative aimed at the most affected communities.
In her closing campaign remarks in Guayaquil, Gonzalez emphasized, “We cannot talk about controlling violence without thinking of social justice, of building an Ecuador with peace, not with war.” Former president Rafael Correa has expressed confidence in Gonzalez’s potential to lead the race, asserting that a first-round win for her is within reach.
Furthermore, President Noboa, entangled in conflicts with his vice president, has introduced several last-minute policies to capture voter interest, which include assistance for returning migrants from the United States, tariffs on imports from Mexico, and a trade agreement with Canada. Voters will also select 151 members of the National Assembly during the election.
The political landscape in Ecuador has become increasingly complex due to escalating violence driven by drug trafficking and organized crime. President Daniel Noboa, who began his term in 2023, has made crime reduction a cornerstone of his administration’s agenda. With a fragmented opposition of 15 candidates, Noboa’s focus remains on maintaining security through military involvement while critiquing the efficacy of proposed legislative adjustments by his rivals. The upcoming election is seen as a pivotal moment for both Noboa and Gonzalez, given the stakes involved in restoring public safety and governance.
Daniel Noboa’s prospects for re-election hinge on his promises to tackle crime effectively. Despite opposition claims of insufficient measures against drug-related turmoil, opinion polls indicate a strong chance of his success. Luisa Gonzalez, his closest rival, advocates for a holistic approach combining law enforcement and social reform to counter violence. The election outcome will significantly influence Ecuador’s future governance, especially on the critical issue of national security.
Original Source: www.lismorecitynews.com.au
