Ecuador on Sunday elected a former conservative banker and supporter of free market policies as president of its populist opponent, putting the country on a pro-trade path.
Guillermo Lasso, 65, received more than 52% of the vote to win the presidency, his third attempt to run for office. He defeated Andrés Arauz, a 36-year-old left-wing economist and protégé of the powerful former president Rafael Correa. Mr Arauz acknowledged with more than 95% of the votes counted.
Mr Lasso will inherit a bruised economy and a health crisis as the Covid-19 pandemic erupts in South America. From Brazil to Peru and Chile, hospitals are being pushed to a step, as infections rise to record levels, reducing hopes for an economic recovery.
“I have been dreaming of serving Ecuadorians for years, so the country is making progress. Today, you have made this possible, “Mr Lasso told cheers. “We will build a fairer country, with more prosperity for everyone.”
While Ecuadorian voters chose a right-wing candidate in the first round of presidential voting in neighboring Peru, voters appeared to be going to the far left. An exit poll from Ipsos showed presidential candidate Pedro Castillo, a socialist who is in favor of dissolving three decades of market-friendly policies, leading a field of another 17 candidates. Peru will hold a vote in the second round in June between the top two.