Ecuador’s 2025 Presidential Elections: A Clash of Visions

Ecuador will conduct its second presidential election of 2025 between Daniel Noboa and Luisa González. Noboa, the incumbent, faces challenges including rising violence and an economic recession. González, supported by former President Correa, aims for a post-oil economy and social reforms. Both candidates advocate for stringent crime control measures, despite their differing economic strategies.

Ecuador is poised to hold its second presidential election of 2025, featuring incumbent President Daniel Noboa and his progressive challenger Luisa González. Both candidates, despite their contrasting economic visions, support militaristic crime policies. The election follows an inconclusive February general election where Noboa and González each garnered approximately 44 percent of the vote, failing to achieve the required 50 percent for an outright win.

Daniel Noboa, who assumed office in 2023, is notable for being Ecuador’s youngest president and stemming from a prominent banana business family. His presidency commenced amidst significant instability, as former President Guillermo Lasso dissolved the National Assembly to avoid impeachment over corruption allegations. Noboa’s administration has been marked by a sharp increase in violence, prompting him to declare a state of emergency and label numerous criminal gangs as terrorist organizations, allowing military intervention and surveillance.

Under his leadership, Ecuador experienced a brief reduction in the homicide rate; however, violence surged again, particularly in January 2025, which recorded the highest number of homicides in the nation’s history. Economically, Noboa’s term has been challenging, with a recession largely attributed to energy shortages, resulting in prolonged blackouts and significant productivity losses. His re-election platform aims to continue tough-on-crime measures and includes plans for a new maximum-security prison while also addressing the energy crisis and poverty through social programs.

Luisa González, who was endorsed by former President Rafael Correa, offers a similar approach to crime as Noboa, advocating for a strong military and police presence while intending to reinstate the Ministry of Justice, Human Rights, and Worship to enhance rehabilitation for inmates. Despite her association with Correa, who faces a prison sentence for corruption, González has distanced herself from his legal troubles and denied plans for a pardon.

Economically, González aims to transition Ecuador away from oil dependence despite the sector’s significant role in the economy, promising increased social spending and tax reductions. Notably, she seeks to decrease the sales tax and support women-owned businesses with tax credits, initiating a return to policies reminiscent of the Correa administration. Both candidates illustrate a commitment to expanding state power under the aegis of public safety, potentially resulting in adverse consequences for voters, irrespective of the election’s outcome.

In conclusion, the forthcoming Ecuadorian presidential election presents a choice between two candidates with distinct economic outlooks yet similar approaches to crime. Daniel Noboa intends to maintain his tough policies while addressing economic challenges, whereas Luisa González vows to enhance social programs and reverse prior austerity measures. Ultimately, both candidates prioritize state authority in combating crime, raising concerns about the implications for civil liberties.

Original Source: reason.com