Ecuador's Election Dispute: Gonzalez Challenges Noboa's Victory

Ecuador's presidential challenger Luisa Gonzalez is contesting the election results alleging fraud, despite observers' endorsement of Daniel Noboa's victory. Gonzalez's coalition is fracturing, with major allies accepting Noboa's win. Observers and authorities stand by the electoral integrity, while Gonzalez plans to present evidence of irregularities.

In Ecuador, leftist presidential challenger Luisa Gonzalez is formally challenging the results of Sunday's election, citing extensive fraud. Despite election authorities and international observers affirming incumbent President Daniel Noboa's substantial victory, Gonzalez refuses to concede, even as her support base erodes.

Gonzalez, who lost by more than a million votes according to the near-complete tally, claims widespread ballot irregularities, promising to present evidence to the elections authority. Her allegations, however, have not deterred international observers, such as the EU and OAS, from labeling the election transparent and fair.

The fallout from Gonzalez's fraud claims has left her coalition, Correismo, in disarray. With her key ally, the RETO Movement, now backing Noboa, his prospect of forming a majority in the assembly strengthens. This political shift could bolster Noboa's governance amid negotiations for wider legislative support.

(With inputs from agencies.)