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

Ecuador’s presidential election will go to a second spherical after a intently contested first-round outcome failed to provide an outright winner.

The electoral authorities referred to as it a “technical tie” after the incumbent centre-right Daniel Noboa and his primary left-wing challenger Luisa Gonzalez acquired 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 predicted, indicating the second spherical could possibly be tougher to name.

The slim outcome 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 along with his picture and holding life-size cardboard cut-outs of the incumbent president.

These cut-outs, depicting Noboa in numerous outfits – from fits to tank tops and sun shades – have develop into ubiquitous symbols throughout the nation adorning entrance doorways, residence home windows, and even automobile rooftops.

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

He applied emergency measures to deploy the navy to streets and prisons to curb rising crime.

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

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

The 45-year-old added: “The assist of the navy 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 along with his plan.”

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

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

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

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

She added: “We’d like the work that he has been doing to this point to proceed. It is solely been a short while. We had been anticipating a much bigger margin, so we’ve got to work to maintain that assist 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 challenge.

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

Gonzalez – a protégé of former president Rafael Correa – has criticised Noboa for failing to ship on key guarantees, akin to boosting the economic system, chopping gasoline costs, and addressing violent crime.

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

His critics additionally accused him of a sluggish response to a extreme drought that led to extended energy cuts final 12 months.

Noboa additionally sparked controversy in the course of the marketing campaign by refusing to delegate his presidential duties to Vice President Verónica Abad, citing an electoral legislation loophole.

This resolution turned a part of a public spat between the 2.

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

Gonzalo Cajas, 46, mentioned: “Why is there crime? There may be poverty. There may be starvation. So there must be somebody who is absolutely conscious of Ecuadorian 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 resolve it – however let’s have a look at what occurs if we give her an opportunity.”

Some voters stay disillusioned with each candidates.

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

“Daniel Noboa represents worry, and we signify hope, change. We are not looking for a state of battle, we wish peace,” she mentioned.

“I feel we’re all irritated with the electoral processes within the nation, and the very last thing we wish is a second spherical and extra expenditure of sources.

“There shall be super polarisation. There shall be plenty of opposition to whoever wins. As soon as once more, we must 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 day by day occurrences.

The nation can be fighting excessive unemployment, a weak economic system, and an vitality disaster that triggered blackouts of as much as 14 hours final 12 months.

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

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