As voters in Ecuador head to the polls on Sunday, February 9, several pressing issues are at the forefront of their concerns. The country is grappling with a surge in violence, unemployment, and an ongoing energy crisis, which have overshadowed other electoral issues. The security situation in Ecuador has deteriorated significantly over the past five years, with homicides increasing by 430%, femicides doubling, and youth violence skyrocketing by 640%. The government's response, led by President Daniel Noboa, has included declaring an "internal armed conflict" and deploying the military to combat criminal groups. While this approach has led to a 16.5% decrease in homicides, it has also been criticized for being incomplete and potentially exacerbating the problem. Unemployment is another critical issue, though specific data on Ecuador's unemployment rate is not provided in the available sources. However, the energy crisis remains a significant challenge, with the country struggling to meet its energy needs. The presidential election pits President Noboa against Luisa González, who offers a different approach to addressing the security crisis. González proposes a victim-centered, rights-based approach that prioritizes social reintegration for incarcerated individuals and collaborative policing. In contrast, Noboa's platform focuses on cementing the use of a joint police-military force and increasing the use of cyber tools and big data to combat crime. The outcome of the election will be crucial in determining how Ecuador addresses these pressing issues and whether the country can find a more holistic and effective solution to its security, unemployment, and energy challenges.

The election also comes at a time when international attention is focused on Ecuador's security situation, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighting the country as a U.S. priority, particularly in addressing security threats and combating Chinese illegal fishing. The voters' decision will not only impact Ecuador's internal dynamics but also have implications for regional and international security. As such, the election is being closely watched both domestically and internationally.