Ecuador has concluded a quiet voting day, marking the beginning of the scrutiny process to determine the country’s next president. The nation is plagued by drug trafficking violence, and citizens are hoping for a new government to revitalize the economy and address the growing divide.
The first poll conducted in Boca de Urnico suggests that current President Daniel Noboa may secure over 50% of the votes, while his leftist opponent Luisa González may obtain 42%. Ecuadorians are looking to the next government to improve various aspects of their lives, including safety, health, and education, which they believe have worsened.
A 44-year-old mechanical engineer, Richard Calle, expressed his concerns, stating that “Safety, health, education, everything is worse.” The campaigns were conducted under tight security measures, with a focus on curbing violence, which has resulted in 38 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants. The country is still reeling from a magnicide in 2023, and the elections have been closely monitored by 100,000 members of the public force. The borders have been closed until Monday to ensure a secure voting process.
Luisa González, the candidate and a follower of former socialist president Rafael Correa, revealed that she has received threats, citing intelligence reports that indicate risks to her life. Despite the challenges, the election day proceeded with an “absolute normality, prevailing order, security and peaceful environment,” according to Diana Atamait, president of the National Electoral Council (CNE).
Tragically, a policeman lost his life, and another was injured in an armed attack in the port city of Guayaquil. The incident highlights the ongoing security concerns in the country. Ecuadorians exercised their mandatory vote to elect a president, vice president, 151 assembly members, and five Andean parliamentarians. The CNE initiated the slow scrutiny process towards 5:00 p.m. (22h00 GMT), but a timeline for releasing the first results has not been provided.
The high voter turnout, with an 83.38% participation rate, demonstrates the citizens’ commitment to shaping their country’s future. As Evelyn Criollo, a 30-year-old administrator, noted, “We have the faith and hope that” the new government will bring about positive change. The outcome of the elections will be crucial in determining the direction of Ecuador, as it navigates its economic crisis, violence, and social challenges.