In a highly anticipated run-off election set for this Sunday, Ecuadors market-friendly President Daniel Noboa will be facing off against Luisa Gonzlez, a protg of former socialist leader Rafael Correa. This election is occurring at a critical time for the South American nation, which is grappling with an unprecedented surge in crime and a struggling economy.

At just 37 years old, Noboa, son of a billionaire banana magnate, has made security a cornerstone of his presidency. In light of escalating violence, he declared a state of emergency last year as rival drug-trafficking gangs vied for dominance over lucrative cocaine shipping routes. Despite initial successes leading to a drop in homicide rates, the nation has recently reported the highest murder rates for January and February on recordan alarming trend that has put Noboa's security platform under intense scrutiny.

This election marks a rerun of the 2023 snap election, where Noboa secured victory by a slim margin of just 17,000 votes. Pollsters indicate a tighter race this time, with Gonzlez currently holding a slight edge over Noboa. During a final campaign rally in Quito, Noboa declared, Were heading towards a better country, with opportunities and justice, emphasizing his commitment to public safety and economic recovery.

In a notable move, Noboa met with US President Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate just days before the election. Analysts suggest this meeting was strategically aimed at garnering support for his fight against what he labels as terrorist drug traffickers. However, the meeting reportedly yielded little beyond a photo opportunity.

Conversely, during a rally in one of Quitos poorer neighborhoods, Gonzlez criticized Noboas administration, branding him as elitist and disconnected from the struggles of ordinary citizens. You have to live through what the people are living through to be able to say its urgent that we work for the people, she asserted, highlighting the discontent among voters regarding the current administrations handling of the economy.

Many Ecuadorians are frustrated with the economic situation, as the country's GDP contracted in the first three quarters of the previous year, while a staggering 58 percent of the workforce operates in the informal sector. Additionally, rolling blackouts triggered by drought conditions at Ecuadors hydroelectric dams have further diminished Noboas popularity, exacerbating public dissatisfaction.

Gonzlez has positioned herself as a champion of the people, promising to renegotiate the terms of a $4 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which Noboa secured during his tenure. This loan has been linked to unpopular measures such as a VAT hike and cuts to fuel subsidies that have sparked public outrage.

Business leaders are expressing concerns that a victory for Gonzlez could signal a regression to the state-led economic policies reminiscent of Correas decade-long rule from 2007 to 2017, which relied heavily on Chinese loans to finance extensive social programs. On the campaign trail, Noboa has pledged to amend the constitutiona remnant of Correas erashould he emerge victorious on Sunday night.

Former President Rafael Correa, who currently lives in self-imposed exile in Belgium to escape corruption charges, has cast a long shadow over this election cycle. Gonzlezs running mate, Diego Borja, who previously served as Correas finance minister, has made it clear that she would not pardon the ex-president if she garners enough support to win.