Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa has alleged irregularities in the recent presidential election without evidence, while the OAS and EU missions refute these claims, affirming election legitimacy. Noboa’s accusations suggest coercion by armed groups, raising concerns about governance in a country facing significant violence and crime. Both Noboa and rival Luisa González express distrust in the electoral process, reflecting a troubling trend in Ecuador’s democracy.
The President of Ecuador, Daniel Noboa, has made unsubstantiated claims regarding irregularities in the first round of the presidential election, despite securing a narrow lead that positions him for a runoff against leftist rival, Luisa González. In a recent interview, Noboa expressed that the election results did not align with his observations, stating, “We kept counting, we kept checking in certain provinces that there were things that didn’t add up.” He further insinuated that armed groups were coercing voters to support González.
Following Noboa’s claims, the Organization of American States (OAS) issued a statement refuting allegations of irregularities, asserting that their quick count corroborated the results of the National Electoral Council and remained within acceptable error margins. The OAS emphasized that they had neither detected nor received indications of widespread election fraud.
The National Electoral Council also reiterated its commitment to conducting fair and transparent elections in response to Noboa’s comments. González had previously voiced her own concerns about voting inconsistencies, declaring, “We do not trust CNE,” although she offered no substantial evidence to corroborate her claims.
The European Union’s observation mission characterized the election as “transparent, well-organized, and peaceful,” opposing any fraud allegations. Their statement highlighted the prevalence of disinformation during the campaign, particularly regarding fraudulent activity.
As Ecuador experiences a deterioration of democratic norms, experts like security analyst Jean Paul Pinto raise concerns about Noboa’s reliance on executive decrees, including those deploying military forces to address gang violence. Pinto also noted that González’s claims might stem from her belief that her campaign was positioned to succeed.
Pinto remarked on the alarming surge in violence, particularly in coastal areas where Noboa’s support lagged, evidenced by Guayas province’s homicide rate exceeding 3,000 in 2024. He pointed out the disillusionment of voters who support González primarily as a rejection of Noboa rather than genuine support for her policies.
Noboa’s allegations regarding voter coercion by armed factions are deemed dangerous by Pinto, as they imply a lack of governmental control over specific regions. Such accusations risk stoking fears of Ecuador becoming a “narco state,” reflecting serious governance challenges.
In summary, the allegations made by President Noboa regarding electoral irregularities are firmly refuted by both the OAS and the European Union’s observation missions, which affirmed the integrity of the election process. Meanwhile, violence and crime continue to escalate in Ecuador, complicating the political landscape. The political discourse is further strained by accusations from both candidates about lack of transparency and trust in electoral authorities, signaling a broader crisis in democratic governance.
Original Source: www.wral.com
