Socialist Leader Nears Power After Tapping Ecuador Voter Anger

  • González gives Correismo movement a chance of retaking power
  • Party’s beliefs indicate likely friction with the IMF
Luisa González, center, departs after voting at a polling station in Canuto, Ecuador, on Feb. 9, 2025.Photographer: Rodrigo Buendia/AFP/Getty Images

Ecuador’s main socialist party has its best shot of taking power in the Andean nation in nearly a decade. Presidential candidate Luisa González is leading the charge, backed by an experienced political machine and fueled by voter anger.

González, 47, forced a runoff in Sunday’s election, defying polls to finish neck-and-neck with President Daniel Noboa, 37. A shrinking economy, rampant gang activity and a recent bout of disruptive blackouts under Noboa have been enough to persuade voters to give González and her party Citizen Revolution another look.