Luisa Gonzalez, the leading leftist candidate in Ecuador’s presidential election, is working to make history as her country’s first elected female president. As a candidate, Gonzalez has run on a strong progressive platform. He has pledged to return social programs and infrastructure projects reminiscent of those from the administration of former President Rafael Correa. Her campaign is being watched closely due to her strong connections with Correa. This all leaves observers wondering if those ties will damage her ability to attract moderate swing voters.
Gonzalez Laing first entered the political arena in 2018 after leaving the Christian Social Party to join Correa’s Citizen Revolution movement. She was the first elected to office without an election, as she won her seat to the National Assembly in 2021. Her campaign has become a national phenomenon. Interestingly, she was endorsed by the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE), reflecting profound support from Indigenous peoples. Proving her worthiness of the spotlight, her association with Correa has become a double-edged sword. Critics are suddenly asking if she can distance herself from his polarizing legacy and remain subjectively interesting to a larger electorate.
The Progressive Vision
Taking Gonzalez’s campaign at face value, we should expect a revival of Correa-era investments in social programs, roads, and security. She has most recently – and very loudly – called for the US to salute the socialist government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. If she is successful, this decision may indicate a major turn of Ecuador’s foreign policy. Her platform includes a detailed 25-point agenda. It pledges to repeal the decrees passed under President Noboa’s government, which CONAIE has called anti-Indigenous.
This outward looking and progressive vision strikes deep chords with those—especially the indigenous—who feel left behind in a fractured Ecuador. Gonzalez often points to her own impoverished upbringing—she grew up in the small town of Canuto, without electricity or running water. She often touts her dedication to the community. She continues, “Perhaps this doesn’t concern you, because you fly your investor class shuttle to New York and Miami in your private jet, but it definitely concerns the rest of us.”
Gonzalez is currently working to cement herself alongside CONAIE to fight for Indigenous rights. She hopes to inspire the type of movement amongst voters that have historically been overlooked by the federal government.
Ties to Rafael Correa
Though she has strong grassroots appeal, Gonzalez’s closeness with former President Rafael Correa muddies her campaign waters. Supporters tout her deep connections to him, but critics cautioned that her proximity to him could alienate centrist voters. They know all too well Correa’s controversial legacy and the political tumult that marked his presidency.
Gonzalez has defended her ties to Correa by stating, “Rafael Correa will be my adviser — not the president.” She’s no newcomer to leadership, and she’s on record about her leadership style quite different from Correa. Unlike most politicians, she puts governance first and power chasing second. Yet, this narrative around her connections to Correa still looms over her campaign.
Most observers agree that Gonzalez’s success or failure in managing this relationship will make all the difference. This skill will be crucial as she approaches a second round against President Noboa in the general election. Pollsters think Gonzalez has a pretty core base built in, due to her relationship with Correa. To win, she will need to go beyond her base to reach the still undecided voters.
The Road Ahead
As Gonzalez heads to the second round of voting, which will see her take on President Noboa, she has an uphill climb ahead of her. Noboa has positioned his candidacy as the necessary antidote to what he calls a “failed revolution.” Personalizing this message could resonate with voters tired of Correa’s failed initiatives. Gonzalez will need to navigate away from this combative narrative, keeping her base fired up while expanding her support among moderates.
Political analysts have noted that “what could tip the balance isn’t support for Gonzalez, but the perception that Noboa’s campaign has lost steam and made critical mistakes.” For now, Gonzalez needs to take care of her base. Simultaneously, she needs to focus on taking advantage of any real or imagined weaknesses of Noboa’s campaign.
Beyond just focusing on national topics, Gonzalez has shown that local issues are important. “On April 13, Manabi will raise its voice with dignity,” she declared in a recent rally, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in her campaign.
