Ecuador’s incumbent president, Daniel Noboa, has secured a commanding victory in the 2025 presidential election, earning a fresh mandate to continue his administration’s aggressive campaign against drug cartels and organized crime. With over 90 percent of the votes tallied, the National Election Council announced Noboa’s decisive lead—garnering 56 percent of the votes against his closest challenger, Luisa Gonzalez, who trailed at 44 percent.
The outcome marks a significant political milestone for the 37-year-old leader, who first took office in 2023 after a special election. Celebrating with supporters in his coastal hometown of Olon, Noboa described the win as a “historic victory” and reaffirmed his commitment to stabilizing the country’s deteriorating security landscape.
Noboa’s reelection comes amid unprecedented levels of cartel-related violence that have turned Ecuador from one of Latin America’s safest nations into its most dangerous. His administration’s “mano dura” (iron fist) strategy, which includes military crackdowns, drug lord arrests, and U.S. collaboration on counter-narcotics efforts, played a central role in the campaign.
In the days leading up to the election, Noboa declared a 60-day state of emergency in several provinces and the capital, Quito—an indication of the fragile security situation and the high stakes of the vote. His tough-on-crime stance resonated deeply with voters who have witnessed a spike in homicides, kidnappings, and violent cartel clashes over control of strategic drug trafficking routes.
“I think Ecuador is divided, but we all understand we need unity—whoever leads the government,” said Camila Medina, a 21-year-old student casting her vote in Quito. “We can’t go on living in fear.”
Despite the wide margin, Noboa’s rival, Luisa Gonzalez, has refused to concede. The leftist candidate, closely aligned with exiled former president Rafael Correa, alleged electoral fraud, describing the results as “the most grotesque” manipulation. However, she provided no concrete evidence to support her claims.
Gonzalez’s campaign struggled to overcome public skepticism toward Correa, who lives in self-imposed exile in Belgium following a corruption conviction he contends was politically motivated. Analysts believe this association undermined Gonzalez’s credibility and cost her key segments of the electorate.
“There is still a strong anti-Correa sentiment among many voters,” noted Ruth Hidalgo, a political scientist at the University of the Americas. “Gonzalez couldn’t shake off that baggage, and it likely played a pivotal role in her defeat.”
While crime dominated the headlines, Ecuadorians also voted with economic concerns in mind. The once-stable economy has faltered under the weight of shrinking investment, declining tourism, and inflation exacerbated by instability. Nearly 28 percent of the population now lives below the poverty line.
Noboa has pledged to steer the economy toward recovery through private-sector partnerships, foreign investment incentives, and targeted reforms in infrastructure and energy. His government is also seeking to leverage closer ties with the United States, particularly through trade and security cooperation.
A recent trade agreement with Washington, signed earlier this year, is expected to boost Ecuadorian exports and provide greater market access for U.S. goods. Noboa has also invited U.S. special forces to assist in combating transnational drug networks—a move met with mixed reactions domestically but praised by foreign policy analysts.
Noboa’s second term presents both an opportunity and a test. With a clear mandate, he must now deliver on promises to restore order and reinvigorate the economy. His administration has hinted at further reforms, including judicial restructuring, prison system upgrades, and enhanced border security.
“These next four years, I hope everything goes well,” said 26-year-old voter Natalie Ulloa. “We need peace, jobs, and leadership that puts Ecuador first.”
For now, Noboa’s reelection signifies strong public backing for his security-first approach. But maintaining that support will depend on whether he can turn promises into tangible progress in a country struggling to recover its peace and prosperity.