Ecuador reelects rightist President Daniel Noboa

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has won the runoff round of the country's presidential election.

The vote was held on Sunday between rightist incumbent Noboa and leftist attorney Luisa Gonzalez.

Ecuador's national electoral council said that with 94 percent of the votes counted, Noboa had secured 55 percent and Gonzalez 44 percent. The commission declared Noboa the winner.

Noboa says it is a historic victory. He says Ecuador wants to be different and to move forward.

Gonzalez says her campaign does not recognize the results and will demand a recount.

She has criticized Noboa, saying voters have witnessed the abuse of power.

A runoff was held between the same two candidates in the previous presidential election in 2023.

This time, both contenders pledged to restore public order that has deteriorated amid crimes linked to drug cartels.

Noboa, among leaders in South America, has a close relationship with US President Donald Trump. Attention is focused on whether Ecuador will coordinate more closely with the United States on drug control measures.