What do you know about Ecuador’s presidential elections

Why are these elections important?

President Daniel Nuboa, who pledged to address the security crisis with an iron grip, is facing a re -election 16 months after his post. He is the neck and neck with Louisa Gonzalez, a candidate supported by Raphael Korea, former popular president.

In the past five years, Ecuador has witnessed an explosion in violence linked to drug smuggling. A judicial system that suffers from overcrowding, corruption The lack of financing has become a fertile ground for prison gangs allied International drug gangs.

He transformed this country from an oasis of peace in a turbulent region into an important player in the global drug trade, which sparked corruption on the lives of millions of Ecuadorians.

At the same time, only 36 per cent of Ecuadorians You have a suitable job, according to government data, which makes the economy a great concern.

Voters are divided between Mr. Nuboa, who has pledged to contact violence, but has so far achieved minimal results, and Ms. Gonzalez, who nominated the former president’s record but faces a completely different country from the one he led.

Who are the best candidates?

Mr. Nuboa, an educated heir at Harvard University of the Banana Empire with millions of dollars, He took office in 2023 After he called his predecessor to the early elections amid the dismissal procedures.

Mr. Nubua entered the first time in politics four years ago, when he nominated a seat in the National Legislative Authority. In the 2023 presidential competition, he managed to rise from the bottom of opinion polls in the first round of voting to second place after a strong debate. Then Mrs. Gonzalez beat the second round.

Mrs. Gonzalez, who served in various positions in the Korea government, is largely the representative of the former president, a divisive figure in Ecuador. Many of the revelation of Mr. Korea for the prosperous economy, low crime rates and investment in health and education that Ecuador lived under his government, but others return him to that Corruption condemnation in 2020 And his authoritarian trends.

He also drew international attention when the police ordered to enter the Mexican embassy in Kito to A political arrest was facing the prison sentence on charges of corruption. Critics saw this step as a violation of diplomatic standards and the abuse of power.

However, supporters believe that Mr. Nooboa is a decisive leader who is not afraid of challenging firm corruption and praising the rules when necessary. Last year, the Ecuadorians supported its difficult agenda on the crime Voting in favor of the referendum This officially expanded the role of the army in enforcement.

Although rights groups condemned his difficult tactics as excessive and harmful, many voters-even some who oppose him-say they want more measures from the authorities, and not less. The murders fell early in his presidency, but soon began to rise again.

Mr. Nubua also sought to throw himself as the best representative of Ecuador on the world stage, focusing on his ability to build relations with international leaders, including President Trump.

The Ecuadorian President was one of the few Latin American leaders who were invited to the inauguration of Mr. Trump, the second presidential, and recently met him in his resort in Mar-R Lajo in South Florida.

“Nuboa has truly played the Trump card and the relationship with the United States,” said Reesa Garris Tarvo, Latin American director of the Eurasia Group, a political risk consultant.

Ms. Garris Targo said that the Ecuadorians preferred foreign security assistance, making the case one of the potential assets of Mr. Nuboa. But his efforts to the court, Mr. Trump, added: “It really did not really lead to any material obligations from the United States.”

During the era of Mr. Korea, Ecuador’s relations with the United States were strained. Experts saw his decision Expulsion Kectx, who weakened the border control and made it easy for drug dealers through patriotism.

Meanwhile, the Correa administration managed to reduce the country’s murder, a transformation that was attributed to a greater police and the mutation of goods that increased security financing.

Although Mrs. Gonzalez tried to present a more friendly position towards the United States, critics remain skeptical.

When will you know the results?

The vote begins at 7 am on Sunday and ends at 5 pm. The results are expected to start at about 6 pm