In a tense atmosphere at the Hilton Colón in Quito, Ecuador, the country’s electoral body was busy finalizing results from a highly anticipated presidential run-off. It was election night, and the mood was charged with uncertainty. Special forces, dressed in tactical gear, surrounded a table where results were soon to be certified. The polls had closed three hours earlier, and as the counting progressed, incumbent Daniel Noboa appeared to be on track for victory with a significant lead over left-populist candidate Luisa González.
As the head of the electoral body delivered her closing remarks, González shocked many by declaring she would not accept the results, despite Noboa’s apparent dominance. With 80 percent of the nearly 14 million votes counted, Noboa was ahead in 19 of the 24 provinces, surpassing the one million vote mark with a 12-point lead.
The presence of armed security underscored the seriousness of the situation. Ecuador has been grappling with a surge in violence linked to drug trafficking, and the state is taking measures to ensure the election process remains secure. The military presence was a clear signal that the government was prepared to protect the election results at all costs.
Noboa’s victory on Palm Sunday was seen as a continuation of a political saga that began nearly two years ago. His previous lead in February’s first round was razor-thin, but his margin of victory had grown significantly in the run-off. Despite this success, critics pointed out that Noboa has struggled to present a long-term vision for governing amid rising drug-related violence.
Ecuador, once known for its relative safety, has seen its homicide rates soar, largely due to its position as a transit point for cocaine. The political landscape has been tumultuous since former President Rafael Correa fled corruption charges in 2017. Noboa’s administration has faced severe challenges, including a high-profile assassination earlier this year that shook the nation.
In his campaign, Noboa has positioned himself as a tough-on-crime leader. He declared an "internal armed conflict" against organized crime groups, a move that some view as a necessary response to the escalating violence. However, observers worry that his approach could lead to further human rights abuses.
Noboa comes from a family with a political legacy; his grandfather served as president, and his father made unsuccessful attempts to enter politics. His outsider status and business background resonated with voters, as did his focus on safety and stability. Despite criticisms of his debate performance and campaign missteps, he managed to connect with voters who are weary of crime and instability.
While Noboa’s administration has seen some improvements in security, many Ecuadorians feel that the situation remains dire. His efforts to combat crime have been met with mixed reactions, and the road ahead is fraught with challenges. The recent election results reflect a desire for strong leadership, but questions about Noboa’s long-term strategy and potential authoritarian tendencies linger.
As Noboa begins his new term, he faces the task of balancing security measures with the need for social stability. His approach to governance will be closely watched both locally and internationally, as Ecuador continues to navigate the complexities of crime, politics, and public safety.