Daniel Noboa wins Ecuador's presidency amid rising crime concerns

In Ecuador, Daniel Noboa was re-elected president in a runoff election held on April 14, 2025. The young conservative, associated with the right-wing National Democratic Action party, defeated Luisa González, the protégé of former President Rafael Correa, garnering approximately 55.8% of the votes. With this victory, Noboa aims to continue his controversial crime-fighting strategies that some voters favor but which have drawn criticism for testing legal boundaries. Noboa had previously served a brief term after winning a snap election in 2023, following a tumultuous political landscape marked by high crime rates and public discontent. His term is set against a backdrop of a persistent crime wave affecting the nation, with homicide rates decreasing but remaining significantly higher than those seen before 2021. The election drew attention not only for the candidates themselves but also for the polarizing political environment in Ecuador. Throughout his first term, Noboa made headlines with his aggressive approach to governance, including allowing police raids on foreign property, such as the controversial police raid on Mexico's embassy. These actions, viewed by critics as authoritarian, raised questions about his respect for legal protocols and international relations. In this political climate, voter sentiment has shifted significantly, with many Ecuadorians concerned about immigration issues and deportation policies. This factor notably influenced voters' preferences, especially considering the strong connections many families maintain with relatives living abroad. As many Ecuadorians have migrant connections, Noboa's friendly relations with the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump played a critical role in securing votes from the middle and working classes, who perceive a leftist government as a threat to these links. Ecuador's National Electoral Council confirmed that nearly 92% of ballots were counted before announcing Noboa's victory. His opposition, Luisa González, responded by claiming electoral fraud and vowed to seek a recount, illustrating the contentious atmosphere surrounding the election results. As Noboa commences this new term, he seeks to maintain the momentum of his crime-fighting agenda, which has, despite its results, been marred by accusations of excessive tactics. Further complicating matters are ongoing tensions within his administration, marked by disputes with his vice president, Verónica Abad, who has described her role as isolated due to Noboa's maneuvers to limit her influence. Now, with a clear mandate from the electorate, Noboa is expected to press forward with his strategies, though opposition claims could challenge the legitimacy of his presidency. Overall, the foundation of Noboa's victory lies in a complex mix of political alliances, voter anxieties about crime and immigration, and an economy struggling to recover amid increasing violence and discontent. As Ecuador faces these challenges, Noboa's leadership style and policy decisions are under scrutiny as he prepares to govern for the next four years.