Ecuador's Noboa Re-Elected with 55.8% in Second Runoff, González Cries Fraud

Ecuadorians voted in a presidential runoff election on Sunday, with incumbent President Daniel Noboa securing a decisive victory over leftist challenger Luisa González. The National Electoral Council reported that with more than 90% of ballots counted, Noboa received 55.8% of the vote, while González garnered 44%. Over 13.7 million voters participated in the mandatory election, marking the second runoff in less than two years. Noboa, a 37-year-old conservative millionaire and heir to a banana fortune, promised to continue his tough stance on cartel violence and improve the economy. His victory grants him a mandate to implement his policies over the next four years. González, backed by former President Rafael Correa, rejected the results, alleging electoral fraud. She demanded a recount, claiming the election was 'the worst and most grotesque electoral fraud in the history of Ecuador.' Noboa had declared a state of emergency in seven provinces before the election, which González criticized as an attempt to suppress her vote. The election saw a high voter turnout, with over 80% participation, reflecting the public's concern over rising violence linked to drug trafficking since 2021. Both candidates had promised to address these issues, but Noboa's lead in the first round and his policies resonated more with the electorate.