A conservative young billionaire who currently holds the presidency and a leftist lawyer are again the leading candidates in Ecuador, which is preparing for a second round of presidential elections in less than two years.
President Daniel Noboa and his rival Luisa González have promised voters solutions to the extortion, murder, kidnapping and other crimes that have become part of daily life in Ecuador since the pandemic.
In the second round of snap elections in October 2023, voters chose Mr. Noboa over Ms. González.
Both candidates went to the polls on Sunday after a first round in February, where Mr Noboa won 44.17% of the vote, while his rival won 44%.
Analysts expect Sunday's vote to be very close, with the first results due two hours after polling stations close at 5pm local time.
Voters are primarily concerned about the violence that began in 2021 — a surge in crime linked to cocaine trafficking produced in neighboring Colombia and Peru.
Both candidates promised to crack down on crime, better equip law enforcement agencies and attract international aid to combat drug cartels and local criminal groups.
More than 13 million people have the right to vote, and it is compulsory for adults up to 65. It is optional for those aged 16 and 17, and over 65. Failure to vote carries a fine of $46 (£35).
In 2023, Mr. Noboa and Mr. González were largely unknown to most voters, as they were running for president for the first time. They were first-term politicians in May 2023, when then-President Guillermo Lasso dissolved the National Assembly, cutting short his term and setting the stage for this year’s snap elections.
The heir to a banana fortune, Mr Noboa started an events management company at 18, then joined his father's business Noboa Corp, where he held management positions in shipping, logistics and trading.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
