Ecuador on Sunday chose a former conservative banker and supporter of free market policies as president of its populist opponent, putting the country on a business-friendly path.
Guillermo Lasso, 65, received more than 52% of the vote to get 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. Arauz granted with more than 95% of the votes counted.
Lasso will inherit a contentious economy and a health crisis as the Covid-19 pandemic sinks across South America. From Brazil to Peru and Chile, hospitals are being pushed to the brink of infections, rising to record levels, lowering hopes of an economic rebound.
“For years I have dreamed of being able to serve Ecuadorians, so that the country can progress. You made it possible today, “Lasso told supporters who cheered.” We will build a fairer country, with more prosperity for all. ”
While voters in Ecuador chose a right-wing candidate, in the first round of presidential voting for Peru’s neighbors voters appeared to go to the far left. An Ipsos exit poll showed presidential candidate Pedro Castillo, a socialist who favors undoing three decades of pro-market policies, leading a field of 17 more candidates. Peru will hold a second-round vote in June between the top two finishers.