Sun Feb 09 14:56:53 UTC 2025: ## Ecuador’s Presidential Election: A Rematch Between Noboa and González
**GUAYAQUIL, Ecuador (February 9, 2025)** — Ecuador held its presidential election today, a rematch of the 2023 race between incumbent President Daniel Noboa and Luisa González. The election is dominated by concerns over rampant crime, a consequence of the cocaine trade flowing from neighboring Colombia and Peru. With a mandatory voter turnout, millions cast their ballots amid widespread dissatisfaction with the current administration’s handling of the escalating violence.
Noboa, a 37-year-old millionaire from a banana-trading family, points to a decrease in the homicide rate from 46.18 per 100,000 in 2023 to 38.76 per 100,000 in 2024 under his presidency, though this remains significantly higher than the 2019 figure of 6.85 per 100,000. His opponent, González, a 47-year-old protégé of former President Rafael Correa, promises a broader approach to crime reduction and economic improvement.
Voters like Marta Barres, who pays a monthly extortion fee to a local gang, expressed strong dissatisfaction with Noboa’s performance and voiced support for González. The election outcome hinges on whether Noboa can secure a second term or if González can overcome his lead. A candidate needs 50% of the vote to win outright, or at least 40% with a 10-point lead. Otherwise, a runoff election is scheduled for April 13th. Over 13.7 million people were eligible to vote in this closely watched election.
First Piper 