Ecuador’s National Electoral Council (CNE) has firmly dismissed allegations of electoral fraud following the recent presidential runoff that resulted in a clear victory for incumbent President Daniel Noboa.

Noboa triumphed over left-wing challenger Luisa Gonzalez with 55.6% of the vote, a margin that surprised many political observers and left Gonzalez questioning the outcome. Although she has publicly expressed her intent to request a recount, the CNE confirmed she has yet to file an official petition.

In a televised interview with Teleamazonas, CNE President Diana Atamaint declared the electoral process “totally transparent,” a sentiment echoed by international observers from both the Organization of American States and the European Union. These bodies reported no irregularities in the conduct or results of the election, which saw a decisive outcome just three hours after polls closed.

Noboa, 37, is set to be officially sworn in on May 24 for a full four-year term. He initially assumed office in November 2023, following a special election triggered by former President Guillermo Lasso’s resignation amid impeachment proceedings.

Despite his brief tenure, Noboa has already made waves through his aggressive crackdown on gang violence and efforts to tackle an energy crisis worsened by drought conditions. With the official results soon to be certified, Noboa now faces the immense challenge of stabilizing a country where drug-related violence continues to surge — averaging nearly one homicide per hour at the beginning of the year.

As Ecuador prepares for a new chapter, all eyes remain on Noboa’s ability to unite a deeply divided nation and restore order in the face of rising cartel influence.