Politics Ecuadorians elect new president
The presidential election has begun in Ecuador. Liberal-conservative incumbent Daniel Noboa and left-wing politician Luisa González from former President Rafael Correa's camp were considered the favorites among the 16 candidates. If no candidate wins an absolute majority or 40 percent of the vote with a ten percentage point lead over the runner-up, there will be a run-off election on April 13.
09.02.2025, 14:17
SDA
The future head of state faces enormous challenges: The once safe country has recently slipped into violence. Powerful drug gangs are spreading across Ecuador, with large quantities of cocaine being smuggled via the Pacific ports, mainly to Europe and Asia. President Noboa declared a state of emergency and sent the armed forces into battle against the gangs.
The South American country is also in the midst of a constitutional crisis. President Noboa did not take leave of absence for the election campaign, as is actually provided for in the constitution. The son of a wealthy banana entrepreneur was elected president in October 2023 after his predecessor Guillermo Lasso dissolved parliament after two years in office and called early elections. As Noboa only completed Lasso's regular term of office, elections are now due again after just one and a half years.
