On February 6th, Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa is optimistic that his commitment to continuing crime-fighting measures initiated during his previous term and addressing power shortages will help him secure a full four-year term in the upcoming presidential election on Sunday.
Recent polls indicate a potential first-round victory for Noboa, a native of Guayaquil and inheritor of his father's extensive business empire, encompassing interests in banana plantations, packaging, and shipping. Alternatively, some surveys suggest a runoff in April, where he is favored to win against leftist candidate Gonzalez.
Noboa previously bested Gonzalez in the 2023 snap election, emphasizing his plans to combat challenges facing Ecuador. During his current 15-month tenure, he claims to have reduced violent deaths by 15% and made prisons safer, leading to the capture of major criminal figures. His platform centers on his "Phoenix Plan" to combat insecurity, employing military presence in the streets, enhancing port security, dismantling criminal groups, and securing tougher penalties for drug and terrorism offenses through legislative approval.
At a recent rally in Machala, Noboa stated, "The time of the old Ecuador is over, the new Ecuador is beginning - with your vote we'll reach it," rallying support for his vision. Supporters argue that a full term is needed for Noboa to fulfill his commitments, including fostering closer ties with the U.S., despite U.S. sanctions on the Ecuadorean gang Los Lobos.
Some critics contend that Noboa's efforts to reduce violence have fallen short, whereas his 15 challengers portray him as ineffective. Notably, he has had a public falling-out with Vice President , who was suspended from office by the Labor Ministry over alleged constitutional violations.
Vowing to prevent a return of the severe power cuts that plagued Ecuador in late 2024 due to a regional drought, Noboa sought assistance from Colombia's President Gustavo Petro, whom he previously referred to as a "leftist snob." Under his leadership, power generation capacity has been expanded, and stalled hydroelectric projects have been revitalized.
Despite his reserved demeanor, Noboa's social media presence has resonated with younger voters. In a December Instagram post, he showcased a tattoo of four phoenixes on his left arm, symbolizing his children. Meanwhile, cardboard cutouts of Noboa have become a playful social media phenomenon, with supporters humorously engaging with the president in various everyday scenarios.
Marlon Caraclas, a 27-year-old recent graduate, praised Noboa's decisive leadership, stating, "He's someone who knows what he wants for the country, not someone who'll just enter the presidency and improvise on the fly. He's got a clear path to follow."