Topic: Daniel Noboa

The Ecuadorian presidential runoff features pro-business incumbent Daniel Noboa against leftist challenger Luisa Gonzalez. Noboa, an ally of President Trump, has requested U.S. military assistance and the establishment of a base to fight drug cartels. Gonzalez, backed by former president Rafael Correa, advocates for social programs and opposes foreign military presence as a violation of sovereignty.

Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa declared a state of "internal armed conflict" after gang members stormed a live television broadcast and took staff hostage. The violence followed the prison escape of gang leader Adolfo Macias. Noboa has designated 22 criminal groups as terrorist organizations and plans to deport foreign prisoners to reduce overcrowding in the nation's prisons.