Ecuador’s high-stakes presidential runoff this Sunday!
Quito, Apr 7 (EFE).-
Ecuador has entered the final week of campaigning before its high-stakes presidential runoff this Sunday, where incumbent President Daniel Noboa faces leftist challenger Luisa González in a contest that could redefine the country’s political direction.
Over 13.7 million Ecuadorians are expected to vote on Apr. 13.
Noboa, 36 is seeking re-election to complete a full term through 2029.
The young president, who rose to office in a snap election last year, is campaigning on promises to strengthen the US dollar-based economy, boost agricultural exports, and attract investment.
On Monday, he held events in the coastal province of Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, meeting with transportation workers, university students, and industrial leaders.
He later traveled to Guayaquil, the nation’s largest city, to continue campaigning.
Meanwhile, González, a former legislator backed by ex-president Rafael Correa (2007-2017), is positioning herself as a defender of women’s rights and economic opportunity.
In Guayaquil, she met with women’s groups and pledged labor protections, access to low-interest credit for entrepreneurs, and social support programs aimed at young women.
She is also proposing 45,000 dollars credit lines at 7.5% interest with a one-year grace period. Her Monday agenda included a public walk through the city.
Gender-based political violence complaint filed
The race has grown tense in recent weeks. On Monday a supporter of Noboa’s Acción Democrática Nacional (ADN) party filed a complaint accusing González of gender-based political violence.
Manuel Peñafiel submitted the claim to Ecuador’s Electoral Disputes Tribunal, alleging that González made defamatory remarks against ADN leader María Beatríz Moreno during the Mar. 23 presidential debate, suggesting she had ties to drug trafficking.
According to Peñafiel, González’s comments were based on an unsubstantiated investigation and were meant to damage Moreno’s reputation.
The electoral judge handling the case, Guillermo Ortega, gave the complainant two days to provide further documentation, clarify the identity of the alleged victim, and specify the actions in question.
If not completed, the complaint will be dismissed under Ecuadorian electoral law.
Under Ecuador’s Democracy Code, gender-based political violence is considered a serious offense, punishable by fines, removal from office, or suspension of political rights for up to four years.
Logistical challenges and election results timeline Electoral authorities are also preparing for potential disruptions caused by seasonal rains.
Diana Atamaint, president of the National Electoral Council (CNE), said on national television that at least 25 polling stations have been “seriously affected” by the winter weather. The CNE has a contingency plan in place and will assess whether any locations need to be relocated before Sunday.
Preliminary results are expected to be published on the CNE’s website by 6:00 pm local time on election night.
A clearer trend may emerge by 9:00 pm local time, Atamaint said.
However, she warned that if the margin between the two candidates is narrow, as in the first round on Feb. 9, the full count will be necessary before declaring a winner.
The runoff will determine whether Noboa consolidates his leadership with a full term or if Ecuador returns to a Correa-aligned government for the first time since 2017.
If González wins, she would become the first woman in Ecuador’s history to be elected president. EFE sm/seo
