Ecuador is set for a decisive run-off election as President Daniel Noboa and left-wing challenger Luisa Gonzalez battle for the country’s top leadership position. With preliminary results showing a razor-thin margin between the two candidates, voters will return to the polls for a second round of voting on April 13.

The election, marked by rising crime rates and economic instability, has seen an unexpected surge in support for Gonzalez, who now poses a strong challenge to the incumbent.

Neck-and-Neck Race Forces Second Round of Voting

According to the National Electoral Council (CNE), with 80 percent of the first-round ballots counted, President Daniel Noboa secured 44.4 percent of the vote. Meanwhile, Luisa Gonzalez, representing the left-wing Citizen Revolution Movement, closely followed with 44.1 percent.

The remaining 14 candidates failed to gain significant traction, solidifying the face-off between Noboa and Gonzalez in the upcoming run-off election.

“If the current trend continues, Ecuadorians will cast their votes again on April 13,” announced CNE head Diana Atamaint during a press briefing.

Unexpected Surge Propels Gonzalez into Strong Contention

The strong performance of 47-year-old Luisa Gonzalez has surprised many political analysts. As a close ally of former President Rafael Correa, Gonzalez has long been associated with leftist policies and social reform.

Speaking to her ecstatic supporters in Quito, Gonzalez declared the outcome a “statistical tie,” emphasizing that their campaign had achieved a significant milestone.

“We have won,” she proclaimed, expressing confidence that the upcoming run-off would cement her path to victory.

Pre-election polls had suggested that Noboa would hold a comfortable lead, but Gonzalez’s rising popularity has reshaped the political landscape.

Noboa Falls Short of Avoiding Run-Off, Supporters Remain Optimistic

Daniel Noboa, the 37-year-old incumbent and son of a billionaire banana magnate, had hoped to secure an outright win by surpassing the 50 percent threshold. However, with his current vote share falling short, he must now prepare for a direct contest against Gonzalez.

Despite this setback, Noboa’s supporters remained enthusiastic, celebrating in major cities like Quito and Guayaquil with fireworks and public gatherings.

“We came to support the president, we want him to support us and change the country,” said Myriam Medrano, a 52-year-old secretary in Quito.

Election Becomes a Referendum on Noboa’s Security Policies

This election has been widely perceived as a judgment on President Noboa’s tough-on-crime policies, which have been both praised and criticized.

In response to Ecuador’s escalating violence—marked by rising murders, kidnappings, and extortion fueled by drug cartels—Noboa has adopted an aggressive security approach. His administration has declared states of emergency, deployed the military, and increased law enforcement measures to restore order.

While many citizens support his “mano dura” (iron fist) approach, human rights organizations have raised concerns over alleged abuses. The recent discovery of four boys’ charred bodies near a military base has intensified scrutiny of Noboa’s methods.

Heavy Security Presence Marks Election Day

Security was a top priority on election day, with Noboa’s government deploying heavily armed soldiers to polling stations across the country. To prevent potential interference, the borders with Colombia and Peru were temporarily closed.

This decision reflects the growing instability Ecuador has faced, with drug-related violence surging in recent years. Many voters believe that the future president must take decisive action to curb crime and restore peace.

Vice Presidential Disputes Add to Noboa’s Challenges

Adding to Noboa’s electoral struggles is an ongoing dispute with his vice president, which has raised legal and political complications.

Recently, Ecuador’s Constitutional Court ruled that two decrees Noboa issued to take campaign leave in the first round were invalid. This ruling could make it difficult for him to appoint an interim vice president and freely campaign ahead of the run-off election.

With these legal setbacks and an unexpectedly competitive challenger in Gonzalez, Noboa faces an uphill battle in securing a second term.

The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Ecuador?

As Ecuador prepares for its crucial run-off election, the nation remains divided between two distinct visions for its future.

Noboa, advocating for strong security measures and economic reform, will need to reaffirm his leadership to maintain voter confidence. Meanwhile, Gonzalez, backed by the legacy of Rafael Correa, seeks to appeal to citizens with promises of social welfare and economic recovery.

With the final decision now in the hands of Ecuadorians, the April 13 run-off will determine the country’s path forward. The stakes are high, and both candidates must now work tirelessly to secure the support of undecided voters.