Ecuador Votes Amid Chaos: Noboa And González Face Off In High-Stakes Runoff

Ecuadorians are heading to the polls in a tense presidential runoff between conservative incumbent Daniel Noboa and leftist lawyer Luisa González — a vote overshadowed by a dramatic surge in drug-related violence that has gripped the once-peaceful South American nation.

On Sunday, voters told CNN their top concern is crystal clear: security.

“Tranquility is the most important thing for the country because there is so much insecurity,” one voter said.

“Security is in pieces,” another added, expressing hope that whoever wins will finally deliver on promises to crack down on violence.

Polling stations opened at 8 a.m. ET and will close at 6 p.m., with initial results expected just hours later.

This marks a rematch between the two candidates, following last year’s snap election in which Noboa narrowly edged out González with just over 50% of the vote.

At 37 years old, Noboa is seeking a full four-year term after winning the 2023 special election to complete his predecessor’s mandate. His campaign has focused heavily on his controversial war on gangs and drug traffickers — a strategy that includes multiple states of emergency, deploying military forces, and launching construction of a maximum-security prison after a notorious gang leader escaped last year.

Despite these efforts, violence has escalated. Government figures reveal more than 1,000 homicides in the early months of the year alone. According to InSight Crime, Ecuador now holds the grim title of having the highest homicide rate in Latin America.

González, a close ally of former left-wing president Rafael Correa, is offering a different path. Her platform centers on crime prevention, community coexistence, and reducing violence through social programs. Campaigning under the slogan “Revive Ecuador,” she has pledged to restore robust social spending and help the country’s most vulnerable.

“Noboa represents fear. We represent hope and transformation,” she said.

Both candidates cast their votes Sunday morning.

“We’ll win today. Today is a very important day for Ecuador,” Noboa confidently told the press.

González, meanwhile, vowed to defend democracy: “With faith, with love for our homeland, and with the conviction of serving this country, today we will change the history of Ecuador.”

As the nation waits for results, one thing is certain: Ecuador’s future hangs in the balance.