General elections were held in Ecuador on 7 February 2021, established by the National Electoral Council (CNE) as the date for the first round of the presidential election, and also a vote about mining in Cuenca. Incumbent president Lenín Moreno, who has held the office since his victory over Guillermo Lasso in 2017, was not seeking reelection.

While the issue of potential delay in the election was raised, on 15 December 2020, the CNE clarified that there would not be a shift in the electoral calendar, and confirmed that the elections would take place in February 2021.

Preliminary first round results indicated that Andrés Arauz had a significant lead, but one that is not large enough to avoid a runoff election where he will face off against the second-place candidate, Guillermo Lasso. Yaku Pérez was narrowly behind Lasso in third place. The final results were delayed due to a requested recount of votes in some provinces. On 19 February, the CNE confirmed Lasso as Arauz’s rival in the second round.

The second round is scheduled for April 11, with the winner being inaugurated on May 24.

Sources and further reading:

Five Things to Know about Ecuador’s Presidential Runoff

https://www.as-coa.org/articles/five-things-know-about-ecuadors-presidential-runoff

Countdown for Ecuador Runoff

http://en.escambray.cu/2021/countdown-for-ecuador-runoff/

Left set to win Ecuador’s presidential elections: poll

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/americas/left-set-to-win-ecuadors-presidential-elections-poll/2192113