Ecuador’s presidential election will go to a second round after a closely contested first-round result failed to produce an outright winner.
The electoral authorities called it a “technical tie” after the incumbent centre-right Daniel Noboa and his main left-wing challenger Luisa Gonzalez received nearly identical percentages of the vote.
The pair will now face a run-off in April.
The result is far narrower than opinion polls predicted, indicating the second round could be harder to call.
The narrow result also dashed the hopes of Noboa’s supporters, who had been buoyed by an early exit poll suggesting he might clinch victory outright.
The president’s supporters gathered in Quito, waving flags, donning T-shirts with his image and holding life-size cardboard cut-outs of the incumbent president.
These cut-outs, depicting Noboa in various outfits from suits to tank tops and sunglasses have become ubiquitous symbols across the country decorating front doors, apartment windows, and even car rooftops.
Noboa’s presidency has been defined by his focus on tackling severe gang violence.
He implemented emergency measures to deploy the military to streets and prisons to curb rising crime.
Many of his supporters hope he will secure a mandate in the run-off to continue his security policies.
“He’s helped us a lot, from when there was gang violence so bad that we couldn’t even go out,” said Fernanda Iza.
The 45-year-old added: “The support of the military he’s introduced their presence is already helping.
“He has brought us a certain stability. There are many problems still pending, but I hope he continues with his plan.”
BBC/Titilayo Kupoliyi
Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels and also join our Whatsapp Update Group.
