Ecuador Elects Young Center-Right Candidate Amidst Rising Crime Concerns
Daniel Noboa, a 35-year-old center-right candidate and son of a prominent banana magnate, has been elected as Ecuador's next president. The election was heavily influenced by the nation's escalating crime rates and deteriorating security situation.
According to the National Electoral Council of Ecuador (CNE), out of over 10 million voters, Noboa secured 52.3% of the votes, while his main competitor, leftist Luisa González, garnered 47.7%.
Previously a legislator, Noboa's political journey took a turn when President Guillermo Lasso dissolved the legislature, prompting early elections. Representing the Acción Democrática Nacional party, Noboa has promised to tackle unemployment, attract foreign investments, utilize technology to combat crime, and implement stringent anti-corruption measures.
In his post-election statement, Noboa expressed gratitude to his family and supporters, emphasizing his commitment to rejuvenating the nation. "Starting tomorrow, Daniel Noboa, your president of the republic, starts working," he declared.
González, associated with the Movimiento Revolución Ciudadana party and mentored by former President Rafael Correa, had initially led the polls. Her campaign focused on increasing public expenditure and social programs, aiming to address the root causes of violence, such as poverty and inequality. Following the election results, González gracefully conceded, acknowledging the democratic process.
The election took place under heightened security due to the assassination of another presidential candidate, Fernando Villavicencio, just days before the first-round poll in August. His death symbolized the nation's deteriorating security, with increasing public acts of violence by criminal gangs vying for control over drug trafficking.
Despite security apprehensions, the voter turnout was commendably high at 82.33%. CNE president Diana Atamaint praised the smooth electoral process, stating, "today democracy won, today Ecuador won."
However, the incoming president faces a daunting task. Once considered a peaceful nation, Ecuador, situated between major drug producers Peru and Colombia, has become a significant transit point for narcotics destined for the US and Europe. The rising violence, coupled with economic challenges, has led many Ecuadorians to emigrate.
César Ortiz, a local business owner, expressed his hopes for the new administration to address both security and economic issues, linking unemployment to the surge in crime.
Analysts believe that leading Ecuador in its current state is a formidable challenge. The newly elected president will serve only until 2025, offering a limited timeframe to address the nation's pressing issues.