Concerns Heighten as Latin American Country Prepares for Crucial Election amid Possibility of Narco-state emergence

Ecuadorians are heading to the polls today to participate in a runoff election that pits incumbent President Daniel Noboa against leftist challenger Luisa González. Noboa is characterized as a conservative aligned with Trump, while González is perceived as a supporter of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.

Noboa has taken a strong stance against Maduro, refusing to recognize him as the legitimate president of Venezuela following a controversial election in 2024. He has also pledged to combat criminal organizations using all necessary means to restore peace and safety in Ecuador.

González is anticipated to continue the policies of former president Rafael Correa, her mentor, and to foster closer relationships with leftist governments in Latin America, such as Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silval, Gustavo Petro of Colombia, and Gabriel Boric of Chile.

“Security has been his principal mandate as the president of Ecuador. He’s dedicated a lot of time, effort and resources to deal with the security situation,” Joseph Humire, executive director of the Center for a Secure Free Society and senior fellow of the America First Policy Institute, told Fox News Digital. 

Whoever wins in the second round will have to contend with an evenly divided National Assembly split between both parties, making legislation to solve the country’s endemic violence and economic problems even more difficult.

Saúl Medina, a former governor of Tungurahua, told Fox News Digital that, after the electoral cycle, a comprehensive and determined strategy to combat gang violence must be enacted. 

Men lie face down on the ground, detained by police outside TC Television after a producer told police they were part of a group that broke onto their set during a live broadcast in Guayaquil, Ecuador. (AP/Cesar Munoz)

Two of the most important issues that must be addressed, according to Medina, are strengthening institutions and executing better oversight of the police and justice system to root out corruption, and prison reform.

“Prisons must stop being operational centers for gangs,” Medina added.

Valdez Duffao, Humire and other experts on Latin America agreed Noboa has ingratiated himself with President Trump. They are ideologically similar and, should Noboa win, it could put him in a better position to address the country’s endemic violence.