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QUITO, ECUADOR - APRIL 13, 2025: Election day unfolded in Quito, Ecuador, on Sunday, April 13, with polling stations opening at 07:00 local time.The electoral process saw the presence of international observers, including Gabriel Mato, a representative of the European Union Electoral Observation Mission.Dozens of citizens arrived at voting centers across the capital to cast their ballots and take part in the democratic process.Ecuador prepared for a closely contested presidential runoff election on Sunday, with polls predicting a narrow margin between right-wing incumbent Daniel Noboa and leftist candidate Luisa González.Noboa, representing the Accion Democratica Nacional coalition, is seeking re-election after his 2023 victory.He has campaigned on a law-and-order platform, pledging to combat drug trafficking and gang violence, but has faced criticism for failing to deliver on promised security improvements despite militarizing the country.Noboa's campaign emphasizes economic stability and attracting foreign investment, arguing that a strong economy is essential for addressing the security challenges.González, the candidate for the Revolucion Ciudadana Party and a protégé of former leftist President Rafael Correa, has focused on social justice, promising to expand welfare programs.She has pledged to improve education and address economic vulnerabilities for young people, who she asserts are susceptible to recruitment by drug trafficking networks due to limited opportunities.(Footage by Rafael Rodriguez Tapia /Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)