Polls in Ecuador closed on Sunday in a competitive presidential race between incumbent Daniel Noboa and leftist Luisa Gonzalez. High voter turnout of nearly 84% was reported, with both candidates seeking to address escalating drug violence in the country. Observers were deployed to ensure election integrity amid concerns over electoral fraud.
On Sunday, polls closed in Ecuador amidst a highly anticipated presidential race. The competition was primarily between incumbent Daniel Noboa, who emphasized the need for additional time to address drug-related violence and stimulate the economy, and leftist candidate Luisa Gonzalez, who promises a return to socialist policies that dominated for the past decade.
Voting concluded at 5 p.m. local time, with an impressive turnout of nearly 84%. According to Diana Atamaint, the president of the national electoral council, the voting process was executed without significant security incidents. Both candidates, along with Gonzalez’s mentor, former President Rafael Correa, called for vigilance against potential electoral fraud, deploying over 45,000 polling place observers.
Ecuador has faced escalating violence from local criminal organizations allied with Mexican cartels and the Albanian mafia, leading to increased rates of murder, gun smuggling, fuel theft, and extortion. These issues have intensified over the last five years, coinciding with economic struggles and rising unemployment post-pandemic.
In summary, the recent presidential election in Ecuador revealed a deeply divided electorate, concerned primarily with addressing the escalating violence linked to drug trafficking. The competitive race featured incumbent Daniel Noboa advocating for continued efforts against drug gangs and Luisa Gonzalez promising a return to successful socialist policies. With significant voter turnout and robust election monitoring, the outcome of this election remains pivotal for Ecuador’s future.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
