Presidential elections in Ecuador: Noboa and Gonzalez face each other in a close run-off race

The electoral campaign comes to an end in a context of violence as Ecuador decides who will become president. Luisa Gonzalez, of the center-left, and Daniel Noboa, of the center-right, carry out their last campaign activities before the elections.

Gonzalez starred in a massive rally in Quito on Wednesday, October 11, where she said that the ballot "is not just another election" and harshly criticized the right-wing administrations of Lasso and Lenin Moreno. "We have never had an Ecuador so destroyed", said the candidate.

Noboa also sought to close his campaign in the capital city, but delays complicated his plans and the contender ended up leading caravans in Portoviejo and Manta. Meanwhile, the so-called "cardboard Noboas", the life-size photographs of the candidate, became popular in recent days.

Gonzalez, the candidate of the Citizen Revolution Movement (RC), obtained 35.1% of the votes in the first round. Noboa, of the Social Christian Party (PSC), obtained 31.3%. According to the latest polls, the RC candidate has a slight lead over her rival, but the result is uncertain.

González has promised to continue with the legacy of former president Rafael Correa and, if she wins, she would become the first female president of the country. Among her main proposals are salaries increases and the protection of women, in addition to the eradication of crime, a proposition she shares with Noboa.

With a business profile, young Noboa proposes to reform the judicial and penitentiary system, implement fiscal discipline, and create an intelligence center to prevent crimes and strengthen security, among other aspects.

The elections take place after current president Guillermo Lasso decreed the "cross death" in May of this year, dissolving the National Assembly and shortening his own mandate. Lasso invoked this constitutional figure while facing an impeachment trial for embezzlement, an accusation he denies. The winner of the current elections will complete the presidential term until 2025.

Author: Marina Vanni