The second round faced a resilient Noboa and a scandal-ridden González.

The second electoral round in Ecuador once again faced Daniel Noboa and Luisa González, who revisited the 2023 contest, this time with a full mandate at stake. Although the official calendar proposed a pause, both candidates kept their campaigns active.

The current context is more challenging, with security crises, political scandals, and a tense economy. Meanwhile, both claim to lead the polls, despite the hard blows received in recent weeks.

The candidate president, Daniel Noboa, had to face a series of tragedies after the first round. The massacre in Socio Vivienda, the floods, and the oil pipeline spill in Esmeraldas tested his response capacity.

Additionally, he endured criticism for the failed attempt to delegate the Sacha field, questions about his brother's company, and the prolonged conflict with Vice President Verónica Abad. However, Noboa has directed his responses toward the Citizen Revolution, pointing to the Correa era as the origin of many current problems.

In contrast, Luisa González hasn't managed to detach herself from the shadow of Rafael Correa or from controversial figures like Nicolás Maduro. Her ambiguity about Chavismo continues to cost her support, especially among undecided sectors.

The controversy surrounding a supposed intention of "Ecuadorian dollarization" caused alarm among citizens. Despite her bloc proposing a project to shield the dollar, Paola Cabezas's statements reignited fears of a possible dedollarization.

Correa's movement has also been hit by the Ligados case, where the Prosecutor's Office investigates former advisors linked to the movement for alleged illicit association. The leaked chats showed how institutions might have been used to place like-minded authorities.

This has provoked criticism even within their own ranks, weakening the renewal message that Luisa González was trying to position. Unlike Noboa, who has attempted to project firm and proactive leadership, González has struggled to distance herself from her political circle.

Both have focused their campaigns on symbolic messages: Noboa with hope and González with life. However, the electorate now seeks more than speeches: it demands real solutions and effective leadership.

The final stretch toward April 13 shows a resilient Noboa in the face of adversity, while González tries to stay afloat amid internal contradictions and scandals.

With a country in search of stability, practical experience and firm crisis management emerge as key factors to win the citizen vote.