Summary:
- Ecuador's presidential race heads to a runoff after no candidate secured the necessary support.
- Anti-corruption candidate Bernardo Arrevalo wins the Guatemalan presidency with 58 percent of the vote.
- Luisa Gonzalez represents the left, while Daniel Noboa represents the business elite in Ecuador's election.
- Fragmented voting patterns are observed in Ecuador and Latin America due to weak party affiliations.
- Assassination of candidate Fernando Villarizancio highlights the crime issue in Ecuador's election.
- Bernardo Arrevalo's victory signifies public frustration with corruption and a desire for change in Guatemala.
The presidential race in Ecuador is set for an October runoff as neither candidate reached the required support in the special election. Meanwhile, anti-corruption advocate Bernardo Arrevalo wins the Guatemalan presidency with a significant 58 percent of the vote.
Candidates and Results
Leftist candidate Luisa Gonzalez led the Ecuadorian election with around 33 percent of the vote, but an outright win was not achieved as candidates needed at least 50 percent. Daniel Noboa, a former lawmaker, secured 24 percent. In contrast, Bernardo Arrevalo secured victory in Guatemala's presidential election with a 58 percent vote.
Political Divides in Ecuador
Luisa Gonzalez represents the left populist party of ex-president Rafael Correa, while Daniel Noboa, from a wealthy family, represents the business tycoon class. These divisions have led to polarization and continuity in Ecuador's political landscape.
Fragmented Voting Pattern
Fragmentation of the vote is common in both Ecuador and Latin America due to weak party attachments. Voters tend to be swayed by events in the final stages of campaigns. The lack of a consolidated 40 or 50 percent was expected.
Assassination of Candidate Fernando Villarizancio
Fernando Villarizancio, outspoken against corruption and crime, became a target due to his comprehensive plan to combat criminal groups. Other candidates and the incumbent government promised independent investigations, but none presented compelling solutions to Ecuador's crime issue.
Bernardo Arrevalo's Victory in Guatemala
Bernardo Arrevalo won in Guatemala due to public frustration with decades of corruption and graft. His campaign, led by a young team, resonated with voters seeking change. His anti-corruption stance and commitment to effective governance garnered significant support.
Will Freeman, a Latin America Studies fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, sheds light on the elections in Ecuador and Guatemala, highlighting the challenges posed by political divides, crime, and corruption.