Ecuador is preparing for an extraordinary runoff election this Sunday. President Daniel Noboa is looking to tighten his grip on power amid escalating violence and criminality nationwide. Noboa, an American-born, Harvard-educated businessman, unexpectedly triumphed in the 2023 elections, defeating his opponent, Luisa González, in a closely contested second round. As he navigates his presidency, Noboa has aggressively pursued economic reforms and security policies, but his approach has drawn both support and criticism from various sectors of society.
Noboa’s presidency has been marked by a series of bold proposals aimed at addressing the country’s pressing issues, including a crime crisis that has plagued Ecuador for years. He has called the situation “internal armed conflict” and declared states of emergency. Part of a larger anti-organized crime platform, he pledges to get tough on gangs. He’s systematically lobbied foreign governments. In addition to that work, he’s working with corporations united against the increasing tide of violence and hate.
Noboa’s Economic Initiatives
Since assuming office, Noboa has doubled down on economic proposals that will relieve cost burdens on Ecuadorians. Among his initiatives, include cash payments and debt forgiveness to the farmers who have been ravaged by these natural disasters. These provisions have received broad support from ag communities, who have suffered terrible economic losses in recent years.
Critics say his economic plans are superficial and not sustainable. They write about the need for short-term relief. So far, Noboa has not spelled out a sustained plan to create the conditions for broad-based economic development and stability.
“We have seen no sign that (Noboa) has a long-term plan,” – James Bargent
To that end, Noboa has suggested restoring the Ecuadorian Ministry of Justice, which was dissolved in 2018. He’s calling for the abolition of the agency that oversees the country’s most dangerous workplaces—our federal prisons. These actions send a signal that he intends to change the game and root out factors that lead to criminal behavior.
Security Measures and Controversies
His approach to security has generated a lot of controversy. After an explosion in violent crime, he has recently sent military troops into prisons that have since been overrun by criminal syndicates. His administration’s strategy goes further than that and actively invites support from foreign military resources. Their plan includes housing U.S. military forces at a new Ecuadorean base on the coast.
He has called for a referendum to expand his emergency security powers. Cumulatively, this has led many to paint this move as an unprecedented overreach of presidential authority. Critics say Noboa’s bottom-up approach risks only delivering short-term victories. Yet, in doing so, they do not address the systemic factors that breed violence.
“What we’ve seen over the last year is just using force on its own is not effective. It’s not broken this cycle of violence,” – James Bargent
Noboa’s decree of war against gangs and emphasis on declarations with militarized responses have led observers to question his style of governance. Either way, observers say he styles his leadership like an authoritarian business manager. This is a radical departure from the usual way one would govern a country.
“He thinks that in the same way that he gives orders inside his companies, he can do the same with the state. And that’s not true,” – Jean Paul Pinto
Election Integrity and Future Prospects
As election day drew near, Noboa drew widespread attention for his fervent claims of election fraud. Such a situation was impossible, he declared, for him to concede without “no evidence of fraud.” This unusual statement has led to much hand-wringing and speculation about what he would do if the results of the election were too close.
“He did even say during the first round that he thought there was fraud. It sort of feels like he’s rhetorically preparing the ground not to concede in the case of a very close outcome,” – Will Freeman
González’s camp has remained cautious in their responses to Noboa’s statements regarding fraud. And her spokesperson suggested that any questions about upholding election integrity would be answered in due time.
“González cannot answer that question at this moment, but will address it when the time comes,” – Martha Roldán
The political climate in Ecuador is still very tense as citizens head to the polls tomorrow. Voters across the country are still assessing what Noboa’s presidency will mean in comparison to Gonzalez’s pledge to implement deeper, more social policies to incorporate plea-bargained communities.
“Under González, we’ll have more social policies for the poorest people in Ecuador,” – Jean Paul Pinto
