Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has raised serious concerns about the integrity of the nation's recent general election, claiming irregularities that could have altered the outcome. Despite his claims, international organizations have validated the election process as transparent and consistent with official results.
Breitbart reported that Noboa, representing the ADN Party and considered an outsider, contended against Luisa González, a socialist attorney who receives backing from former president Rafael Correa. In a field of sixteen candidates, Noboa managed a slim lead over González.
The National Electoral Council of Ecuador reported that Noboa received 44.18% of the votes, narrowly surpassing González's 43.95%.
As neither contender achieved a decisive majority, a runoff election has been scheduled for April 13, 2025, marking the second encounter between Noboa and González.
Noboa temporarily postponed a post-election event in Quito as he vocalized his discontent over the results. He expressed suspicions of irregularities and alleged fraudulent activities that might have impeded his outright victory.
Despite Noboa's assertions of electoral discrepancies, he and his party have yet to disclose the evidence they claim to hold. International bodies, including the Organization of American States (OAS) and the European Union, have reviewed the election process and found it to be transparent.
These organizations conducted independent counts, which matched the official results. The OAS specifically reported no significant irregularities that could impact the election's outcome, countering Noboa's claims.
The situation has garnered significant attention due to the high-stakes nature of the political contest and the narrow margin separating the two leading candidates.
In addition to the presidential contest, Anabela Azín, Noboa's mother, achieved notable success in the congressional race, receiving the highest number of votes. As a result, she is slated to preside over Congress's inaugural session on May 14.
The newly elected Congress exhibits a near-bipartisan composition, split mainly between Noboa's ADN party and the Citizen Revolution party. However, neither party secured a majority in the 151-seat legislative body.
This shift in power dynamics raises questions about potential legislative gridlock in the coming years. It also places Ecuador in a position where political collaboration might become necessary to propel significant legislative initiatives.
The upcoming runoff election on April 13 will be the second bout between Noboa and González following the earlier runoff during the October 2023 snap election.
That election eventuated after former President Guillermo Lasso invoked a constitutional clause, which dissolved the executive and legislative branches, thereby triggering an early election.
President Noboa has asserted the strength of his political movement, emphasizing its rapid ascent in Ecuador’s political landscape. “We are in the second round, we are the leading political force,” he stated, drawing attention to the momentum of his nine-month-old national movement.
As tension builds towards the April runoff, Noboa’s allegations and their potential ramifications maintain a spotlight on the electoral process and governance in Ecuador.
Noboa's remarks regarding his mother, Anabela Azín, reflected his confidence in her qualifications to lead the Assembly. He affirmed, “She has the merits to do so. It will also be her decision,” acknowledging her agency in the matter.
As Ecuador navigates its election aftermath, the array of political narratives forms a complex backdrop to the decision-making process. The claim of electoral mismanagement by Noboa, despite international discrediting, continues to resonate within the local political dialogue.
