Ecuador presidential run-off will test voter loyalties

Significance

He has nevertheless fallen short of the 50% (or 40% with a 10-point lead) required to win outright. A run-off will be held on April 11, but it is not yet settled whether right-winger Guillermo Lasso or indigenous leftist Yaku Perez came second and so will face Arauz.

Impacts

• Fraud allegations will erode trust in the political system and undermine the new president and government from the outset.
• The possibility of two leftist candidates competing for the presidency will unnerve international investors.
• Long lines and large crowds at polling stations will exacerbate the spread of COVID-19.