Ecuador Closes Borders Ahead of Presidential Election Amid Security Concerns
Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has announced the closure of the country’s borders for three days, from Saturday, February 8, to Monday, February 10, as the nation prepares for the first round of the presidential election on Sunday. Noboa, who is running for re-election, cited security threats from armed groups as the reason for the decision.
“Due to attempts at destabilization by armed groups, the borders will remain closed,” the 37-year-old president stated on his official X account on Monday. In addition to border closures, Noboa has ordered an increased military presence in border areas and the immediate militarization of Ecuador’s ports.
The move follows an alarming incident on Saturday when Noboa’s security team arrested 12 individuals disguised as police and military personnel. The suspects were armed with rifles, ammunition, and a drone. Noboa described them as “narcoterrorists” attempting to destabilize the country.
Noboa came to power in November 2023 after winning a snap election to complete the remaining 18 months of his predecessor Guillermo Lasso’s term. Lasso had called early elections to avoid impeachment over corruption allegations.
In January 2024, Noboa declared Ecuador in a state of “internal armed conflict” after the dramatic escape of a powerful drug lord from a prison in Guayaquil triggered a surge in violence. His administration has since taken a hardline stance on crime and security.
On Sunday, Noboa will face his main challenger, leftist lawyer Luisa González, in the first round of the presidential election. The two previously contested the presidency in October 2023, with Noboa securing victory with 52.1% of the vote. Indigenous leader Leonidas Iza is also among the candidates in the race.
As Ecuador grapples with security threats and political uncertainty, the upcoming election is set to be a decisive moment for the country’s future.
