Ecuador election ends in a ‘tie’ prompting run-off in April

Ecuador’s presidential election will go to a second spherical after a carefully contested first-round end result failed to supply an outright winner.

The electoral authorities known as it a “technical tie” after the incumbent centre-right candidate, Daniel Noboa, and his essential left-wing challenger Luisa González obtained practically an identical percentages of the vote.

The pair will now face a run-off in April.

The result’s far narrower than opinion polls had predicted, indicating the second spherical may very well be more durable to name.

The slim end result additionally dashed the hopes of Noboa’s supporters, who had been buoyed by an early exit ballot suggesting he may clinch victory outright.

The president’s supporters gathered in Quito, waving flags, donning T-shirts together with his picture and holding life-size cardboard cut-outs of the incumbent president.

These cut-outs, depicting Noboa in varied outfits – from fits to tank tops and sun shades – have turn out to be ubiquitous symbols throughout the nation adorning entrance doorways, house home windows, and even automobile rooftops.

Noboa’s presidency has been outlined by his give attention to tackling extreme gang violence.

He carried out emergency measures to deploy the army to streets and prisons to curb rising crime.

A lot of his supporters hope he’ll safe a mandate within the run-off to proceed his safety insurance policies.

“He is helped us rather a lot, from when there was gang violence so dangerous that we could not even exit,” stated Fernanda Iza.

The 45-year-old added: “The help of the army he is launched – their presence is already serving to.

“He has introduced us a sure stability. There are various issues nonetheless pending, however I hope he continues together with his plan.”

Juan Diego Escobar, 16, expressed optimism about Noboa’s possibilities.

“I feel the bulk of people that voted for different candidates will desire to vote for Daniel Noboa within the second spherical,” he stated.

“Noboa handles insecurity nicely. Crime is pretty nicely managed. I feel he may also enhance the financial system.”

Miriam Naranjo stated regardless of being the incumbent, Noboa represented “change”.

She added: “We’d like the work that he has been doing thus far to proceed. It is solely been a short while. We have been anticipating an even bigger margin, so we’ve to work to maintain that help for our candidate.”

Regardless of some successes, such because the seize of some main gang leaders and a slight discount in jail violence, violent crime stays a serious problem.

Violent deaths fell in 2024 however stayed close to report ranges. In January 2025 alone 750 homicides have been reported.

González – a protégé of former president Rafael Correa – has criticised Noboa for failing to ship on key guarantees, reminiscent of boosting the financial system, slicing gas costs, and addressing violent crime.

Whereas she has proposed comparable army and police operations to fight crime, her marketing campaign has emphasised elevated social spending in Ecuador’s most violent areas.

Noboa’s critics additionally accused him of a gradual response to a extreme drought that led to extended energy cuts final yr.

The incumbent additionally sparked controversy throughout the marketing campaign by refusing to delegate his presidential duties to Vice-President Verónica Abad, citing an electoral legislation loophole.

This resolution grew to become a part of a public spat between the 2.

Luisa González’s supporters see her as an opportunity for change.

Gonzalo Cajas, 46, stated: “Why is there crime? There’s poverty. There’s starvation. So there needs to be somebody who is admittedly conscious of Ecuadorean staff in order that the nation strikes ahead.”

Alejandra Tufiño, 42, added: “The nation’s safety is in items. I need change. I am not saying that she’s going to unravel it – however let’s examine what occurs if we give her an opportunity.”

Some voters stay disillusioned with each candidates.

Gabriela Cajo, 39, who backed a candidate from the celebration of assassinated 2023 presidential hopeful Fernando Villavicencio, expressed frustration with the dearth of progress on crime.

“Daniel Noboa represents concern, and we characterize hope, change. We are not looking for a state of conflict, we would like peace,” she stated.

“I feel we’re all aggravated with the electoral processes within the nation, and the very last thing we would like is a second spherical and extra expenditure of assets.

“There will likely be large polarisation. There will likely be a number of opposition to whoever wins. As soon as once more, we should select who’s the least worst.”

Whoever is victorious in April will face important challenges.

Ecuador continues to grapple with rampant crime, as drug cartels battle for management of profitable trafficking routes by its ports. Kidnappings and murders stay every day occurrences.

The nation can be scuffling with excessive unemployment, a weak financial system, and an vitality disaster that brought about blackouts of as much as 14 hours final yr.

Noboa has pledged to deal with these points by creating jobs, attracting funding, and rising renewable vitality manufacturing.

In the meantime, González has emphasised the necessity for financial reform, social funding, and a stronger give attention to tackling poverty.