President Daniel Noboa decided not to take a leave of absence during the electoral campaign.

President-candidate Daniel Noboa announced he will not take leave during the campaign days for the second electoral round. His decision aims to prevent Vice President Verónica Abad from temporarily assuming power while he actively participates in the elections.

The Minister of Government, José De La Gasca, stated that Noboa doesn't need to request leave according to a 2010 Constitutional Court ruling. This interpretation establishes that candidacy in early elections doesn't constitute reelection, which allows the president to continue exercising his duties while campaigning.

The official stance is framed in the rejection of handing the country over "to political mafias," according to De La Gasca, in reference to Abad. The vice president recently resumed her diplomatic assignment in Türkiye, which required the repeal of the decrees that delegated her duties to Cynthia Gellibert.

During the first round, Noboa divided his schedule between government activities and campaigning, a model he will replicate now. The National Electoral Council (CNE) adjusted the calendar to allow the simultaneous start of the campaign and the presidential debate, starting March 23.

The Electoral Dispute Tribunal (TCE) will solve a complaint of gender political violence against Verónica Abad. The sanction, if confirmed, would prevent her from holding public office, which would facilitate the president entrusting power without ceding it to Abad.

Jurists like Aldrín Gómez and Daniel González consider it would be most convenient for Noboa to take leave to legitimize his campaign. However, both acknowledge that the constitutional interpretation supports the decision to remain in office.

The complaint was filed by Chancellor Gabriela Sommerfeld and accepted by Judge Guillermo Ortega, who imposed a fine of $14,100 and suspended Abad's participation rights for two years. Currently, the TCE is evaluating the appeal as a last resort.

This scenario opens a door for the president to campaign without handing over power to a figure with whom he has deep political differences. The continuity of his government presents itself as an alternative of stability against the Correaist proposal.

Meanwhile, Luisa González faces a tight scenario after the first round, Daniel Noboa strengthens his institutional position, backed by legal interpretations and strategic decisions that consolidate his image as a firm leader in the face of political chaos.

Daniel Noboa's decision not to take leave for the campaign reflects his intention to maintain control of the government and avoid handing over power to questioned figures. With the appropriate legal and political support, his strategy seeks to demonstrate that it's possible to campaign without neglecting the country's stability.