INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
party, who received 44%.The election results showed a clear and unexpected margin of victory for Noboa, who represents the conservative
Ecuador Battles Record Violence
the preliminary results were announced.She has called for a recount and the reopening of ballot boxes
victory was confirmed.Political ContextThis election was a rematch of the 2023 extraordinary elections that brought Noboa to power to
complete the term of former President Guillermo Lasso
The country has experienced a dramatic surge in violence, with homicide rates reaching historic levels:Ecuador recorded 6,962 violent deaths
in 2024, a 15% decrease from the 8,237 registered in 2023, but still significantly higher than previous years.In 2023, Ecuador had a
homicide rate of 47.2 per 100,000 inhabitants, the highest in Latin America and eight times higher than in 2016.February 2025 alone saw 736
history.The first 50 days of 2025 registered approximately 1,300 homicides, equivalent to one murder per hour, representing a 40% increase
crime groups and imposed several states of exception.His administration has militarized streets and prisons, deploying the armed forces to
human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, have reported that security forces have committed serious human rights violations
mistreatment.Electoral ViolenceThe electoral period itself has been marked by unprecedented violence.According to the Citizen Observatory of
Political Violence (OCVP), between January 2024 and February 2025, Ecuador recorded 56 political aggressions, including 25 assassinations,
accounting for 25% of these incidents.Economic and Social ChallengesBeyond security issues, Ecuador faces significant economic and social
Long-standing structural problems, such as access to healthcare, education, and employment, remain unresolved, limiting the enjoyment of
stability and daily life.As Noboa prepares for a full four-year term, he will need to address these multifaceted challenges while
