Ecuador’s presidential candidates, Daniel Noboa and Luisa Gonzalez, are making final appeals to voters, focusing on jobs, crime, and women’s issues ahead of a closely contested election on Sunday. Noboa emphasizes tough measures on crime, while Gonzalez offers social support initiatives, signaling a potential shift leftward. The election is characterized by considerable division among voters, raising concerns over governance following a tight result.
In the lead-up to Ecuador’s presidential runoff this Sunday, incumbent President Daniel Noboa and his leftist challenger Luisa Gonzalez have made compelling appeals to voters. Key issues impacting their final pitches include jobs, rising crime rates, and targeted outreach to women voters. The election is particularly critical as it features the young Noboa, aged 37, against Gonzalez, aged 47, who aims to become the nation’s first female president.
As the election approaches, a period of silence has been imposed, accompanied by a ban on alcohol and restrictions on foreign arrivals, ostensibly to maintain order. Almost 14 million Ecuadorians will cast their votes to elect a leader who must navigate the persistent violence plaguing the nation. Voter sentiment is reflected in statements from residents expressing distrust in politicians’ promises, as they cite unemployment and insecurity as pressing concerns.
Noboa’s administration has been marked by strategies that favor tough policies to combat violence, particularly from drug cartels. In light of alarming statistics indicating an average of one murder per hour during January and February, Noboa has proposed the deployment of US troops to assist in combatting drug trafficking.
Conversely, a potential Gonzalez victory would prompt a significant ideological shift towards the left, potentially straining relationships with the United States. Gonzalez is closely linked to former President Rafael Correa, a contentious figure who has previously challenged US interests. The political landscape appears to be sharply divided, as the first electoral round saw a margin of less than one percent between the candidates.
Both candidates have conducted their final campaign rallies in Guayaquil, a city characterized by economic potential and drug-related violence. Gonzalez specifically addressed the concerns of women, proposing financial support options for single mothers. Noboa, despite his elite status, has positioned himself as an advocate for change, criticizing traditional political figures, including his opponent’s association with Correa.
Political analysts express concern that a narrowly decided election could encourage allegations of electoral fraud and result in an administration with a diminished mandate. As Simon Pachano from the FLASCO social sciences institute notes, a close result could create governance challenges due to the substantial opposition perceived within the electorate.
As the Ecuadorian presidential runoff approaches, the nation’s voters are faced with crucial choices between contrasting candidates. Noboa aims to continue a hardline approach against crime, while Gonzalez seeks to implement progressive policies and broader social support. Voter sentiments reveal a populace fractured by ideological divides, with uncertainties looming over governance viability as the election moves forward.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
