Ecuador is experiencing a crucial election day this Sunday, February 9. Citizens are voting with the hope of finding security, opportunities, and stability for the next four years amid a tense atmosphere and strict measures.
Electoral Context and Security
The country is in a special situation, as a state of internal armed conflict was declared a year ago to combat organized crime. In this environment, presidential candidate Daniel Novoa has implemented very strict security measures nationwide. For example, land borders with Colombia and Peru have been closed until Monday to prevent possible attacks linked to organized crime during the electoral process.
Extreme Security Measures
Security forces have worked to ensure that all polling stations receive the necessary electoral kits. Additionally, more than 200 international observers have arrived to oversee the process and ensure it is conducted fairly and transparently. This measure aims to give citizens confidence that their votes count and that the law is upheld.
The Candidates and the Electoral Process
The electoral atmosphere is similar to previous elections, with two main candidates: President Daniel Novoa and Luisa González from the Citizen Revolution Party. Although there are 14 other candidates in the race, polls suggest a runoff election on April 13 is likely between these two contenders. To avoid a second round, one of them must secure more than half of the votes or at least 40% with a 10-point lead over the other.
The CNE reported that in the early morning hours, 8% of registered voters had already participated in the general elections. Both Noboa and González cast their votes shortly after polling stations opened nationwide.
Citizen Participation and Overseas Voting
More than 13.7 million Ecuadorians have the opportunity to elect their next president. Additionally, this Sunday, voters are also choosing 151 assembly members and five Andean parliamentarians.
Ecuadorians living abroad have already begun voting in consulates and electoral centers in various countries. In total, there are 456,485 registered voters divided into three groups:
- Canada and the United States
- Latin America, the Caribbean, and Africa
- Europe, Oceania, and Asia
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