Ecuador's election ends with a “tie” that drives a leak in April

Ecuador's presidential election will go to the second round after a closely contested result of the first round failed to lead to a direct winner.

The electoral authorities called it “technical equality” after the acting decean Daniel Noboa and his chief left -handed Louisa Gonzalez received almost identical percentages of voting.

The couple will already stand up for the expiration in April.

The result is far higher than the envisaged studies of public opinion, which shows that the second round may be more difficult to call.

The narrow result also hopes for Noboa supporters, who were embedded in an early outcome poll, suggesting that he could win straight.

President's supporters gathered in Quito, waving flags, applying T -shirts with their image and holding cardboard cuts in the natural size of the current president.

These cuts, depicting Noboa in different outfits-from suits to tanks and sunglasses, have become widespread symbols throughout the country, decorating front doors, housing windows and even car roofs.

The Noboa Presidency has been determined by its focus on dealing with the band's severe violence.

It has implemented emergency measures to deploy military on the streets and prisons to limit increasing crime.

Many of his supporters hope he will secure a mandate in the expiration to continue his security policies.

“He helped us a lot from when there was such a bad violence with bands that we couldn't even go out,” Fernanda said.

The 45-year-old added: “The support of the military he has introduced-their resistance is already helping.

“He brought us a certain stability. There are still many problems, but I hope to continue with his plan.”

16 -year -old Juan Diego Escobar expressed optimism about Noboa's chances.

“I think the bigger part of the people who voted for other candidates will prefer to vote for Daniel Noboa in the second round,” he said.

“Noboa is doing well with uncertainty. Crime is quite well -controlled. I think it will also improve the economy.”

Miriam Narango said that although he was the acting, Noboa is a “change”.

She added: “We need the work he has done so far to continue. We've only a short time. We expected a bigger margin, so we have to work to keep this support for our candidate.”

Despite some successes, such as taking over some great band leaders and a slight reduction in prison violence, the violent crime remains a major problem.

The vast deaths fell in 2024, but remained close to record levels. In January 2025, only 750 murders were reported.

Gonzalez – a protégé of former President Rafael Corea – criticizes Noboa that he has failed to fulfill key promises, such as strengthening the economy, reducing fuel prices and dealing with violence crime.

While she was proposing such military and police crime operations, her campaign emphasized increased social spending in the most common regions of Ecuador.

His critics also accused him of a slow response to a strong drought, which led to prolonged cuts of electricity last year.

Noboa also sparked disputes during the campaign, refusing to delegate its presidential obligations to Vice President Veronica Abad, citing a door to the electoral law.

This decision became part of a public spit between the two.

Louise Gonzalez's supporters regard her as a chance of change.

The 46 -year -old Gonzalo Kajas said, “Why is there a crime? There is a poverty. There is a hunger. So there must be someone who is really aware of the Ecuadian workers so that the country moves forward.”

The 42 -year -old Alejandra Tuffino added: “The security of the country is in pieces. I want to change. I'm not saying that she will decide it – but let's see what would happen if we give her a chance.”

Some voters are disappointed with both candidates.

The 39 -year -old Gabriela Kaggio, who supported a candidate from the President's murder party in 2023, the hope of Fernando Vilavicese, expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of progress in crime.

“Daniel Noboa is fear and we represent hope, change. We do not want a state of war, we want peace,” she said.

“I think we are all annoyed by the electoral processes in the country. The last thing we want is the second round and more resource costs.

“There will be a huge polarization. There will be a lot of opposition to the one who won. Once again we will have to choose which one is.”

Whoever won in April will face significant challenges.

Ecuador continues to fight the growing crime, as drug margin fights to control the lucrative trafficking routes through their ports. The abductions and killings remain daily events.

The country also struggles with high unemployment, a weak economy and an energy crisis that caused eclipses until 2pm last year.

Noboa has promised to deal with these problems by creating jobs, attracting investment and increasing renewable energy production.

Meanwhile, Gonzalez emphasized the need for economic reform, social investment and a stronger focus on coping with poverty.