Ecuador chooses a leader amid murder, blackouts and stagnation
EconomistJAN 19
Ecuador: Noboa and González Set for Runoff Rematch
Above: The Ecuadorian national flag displayed at a polling station during the general election in Quito, Ecuador, on Feb. 9, 2025. Image copyright: Andres Yepez/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The Spin
Right narrative
Freedom is on the ballot in resource-rich Ecuador as there are only two routes for voters to choose — free market capitalism under Daniel Noboa or a narco-socialist dictatorship under Correa's surrogate Luisa González. Noboa needs a full presidential term to fight the Ecuadorian deep state and bring significant changes to the country.
Left narrative
After nearly a decade following neoliberal prescriptions, Ecuador now has a fragile state and an impoverished people. It's no wonder that drug trafficking and organized crime have skyrocketed — that's part of the local elites' strategy to control society. Noboa must be voted out of office.