Ecuador’s 2025 Runoff: Choosing Between Military Force and Social Reform
Ecuador’s February 2025 elections resulted in a runoff between President Daniel Noboa and Luisa González, as neither candidate won outright. Both prioritize addressing unemployment and insecurity, prevalent concerns among voters. Noboa proposes continued military intervention for security, while González focuses on social investment and restoring community oversight. Allegations of corruption loom over both candidates as they campaign for public support.
Ecuador held its general elections on February 9, 2025, with over 11 million voters participating in the selection of national leaders for the next four years. Voters elected the president, vice president, 151 assembly members, and five Andean parliamentarians. The new National Legislative Assembly is expected to be split between the center-left Movimiento Revolución Ciudadana (RC), led by former president Rafael Correa, and the ruling center-right Acción Democrática Nacional (ADN).
Since no candidate secured enough votes for an outright victory, a runoff election is scheduled for April 13. The incumbent president, Daniel Noboa, will face Luisa González, the Correista candidate who previously lost to him in the 2023 snap elections. Both candidates must present plans to tackle the pressing issues of unemployment and insecurity, which worry three-quarters of the population, according to IPSOS research.
Ecuador’s escalating public safety crisis remains unresolved, with the highest homicide rate in Latin America. In January 2025, there were 732 violent deaths, significantly up from 487 in January 2024. Security experts highlight inadequate public investment in essential services as a contributing factor to the country’s violence crisis.
President Noboa proposes to continue employing military forces under the “internal armed conflict” policy, initiated after an attack on a television station. However, the military’s involvement has faced backlash following the high-profile disappearance of four minors allegedly abducted by soldiers. Although the military denies responsibility, the government has attributed the disappearances to criminal groups, raising questions about the effectiveness of such security strategies.
Conversely, Luisa González advocates for addressing insecurity through social investment, focusing on victim protection, restorative justice, and community reintegration. She proposes to reinstate key ministries and restore Community Security Assemblies to enhance civic oversight and prevention. Her plans include strengthening the Armed Forces and National Police capabilities for improved security management.
In light of rising corruption allegations involving drugs and political figures, González suggests an “ethical pact” to ensure transparency in party financing. This initiative aims to foster citizen engagement in overseeing political activities and restoring democratic integrity to government institutions. Despite her proactive proposals, Noboa has criticized her, alleging links between her associates and criminal organizations without providing substantiating evidence.
The upcoming runoff elections in Ecuador present a critical choice between continuing militarized security measures under President Noboa or exploring social investment approaches as proposed by Luisa González. As the candidates vie for votes, their proposed solutions to combat widespread violence and insecurity will significantly impact the nation’s trajectory. Transparency and citizen engagement will remain paramount in restoring public trust in government institutions amidst prevalent corruption concerns.
Original Source: globalvoices.org
