Ecuadorian voters are gearing up to choose a new president in the upcoming election, marking the second time in 18 months that they will be casting their ballots amidst a significant security crisis in the country.
The current President, Daniel Noboa, assumed office in 2023 to complete the term of his predecessor Guillermo Lasso, who resigned, dissolved congress, and called for new elections to avoid impeachment.
On the ballot, voters will decide whether to continue with Noboa's tough stance on the country's crime epidemic or opt for a different direction by supporting his political rival, Luisa González.
Noboa, a 37-year-old businessman, emerged as a surprise candidate in the 2023 election, defeating González in the second round. Despite initially positioning himself as 'center-left,' Noboa has taken a hardline approach to combatting crime during his tenure.
His presidency has been marked by multiple crises, including the declaration of numerous states of emergency, deployment of military units to address gang activity, and the initiation of a new maximum-security prison construction following a high-profile criminal escape last year.
Noboa has emphasized the need to confront what he describes as 'terrorist groups' that have plagued the nation, leading to unconventional measures such as the arrest of a former vice president from the Mexican embassy in Quito.
His administration has maintained close ties with the United States, signing military cooperation agreements and advocating for increased US involvement in combating drug trafficking.
In the upcoming election, Noboa will face off against González and 14 other candidates, with a potential second round in April if no candidate secures over 50% of the vote.
González, a leftist politician and ally of former President Rafael Correa, has pledged to address the drug trade with equal vigor and proposed reforms such as investing in facial recognition technology and reinstating the Ministry of Justice.
The candidates have also outlined plans to address Ecuador's energy challenges, with González advocating for increased private sector investment in renewable energy sources and Noboa's administration deregulating private energy use.
The country's security crisis, exacerbated by its role as a cocaine trafficking hub, has led to a surge in violence and corruption, prompting urgent calls for action from the government.
Amidst these challenges, Ecuador continues to grapple with energy shortages and economic instability, highlighting the pressing need for effective leadership and policy reforms to steer the country towards stability and prosperity.
