Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa has secured re-election, winning a decisive runoff that grants him a full four-year mandate. Noboa, who initially took office in November 2023 following a snap vote, hailed the outcome as “historic.”

The 37-year-old centre-right leader has made headlines for his hardline approach to crime, deploying military force against drug gangs as Ecuador grapples with a surge in violence. 

Official figures from the electoral council show Noboa earned about 56% of the vote—well ahead of his rival.

“This is a clear mandate—over one million votes and a margin beyond ten points,” Noboa said, crediting his team’s persistence for the win.

His opponent, leftist candidate Luisa González, rejected the result and alleged electoral fraud, though she presented no evidence. 

The election was marked by high voter concern over security, following a wave of gang-related killings that has turned Ecuador into one of Latin America’s most dangerous countries.

Noboa now faces the challenge of proving that his aggressive anti-gang strategy is effective. Despite a slight decline in homicides, violence remains widespread. January alone saw more than 780 killings.

He is also under pressure to address power shortages, which led to major blackouts last year, and to diversify the country’s energy sources beyond hydropower. 

Noboa has proposed increased investment in renewable energy and closer ties with the United States.

His campaign emphasized youth engagement, economic development, and anti-corruption measures. 

However, Ecuador remains politically divided, with many of González’s supporters longing for the Correa era, despite the former president’s conviction for corruption and exile abroad.

Source: BBC

BDST: 1023 HRS, APR 14, 2025
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