Noboa wins presidential run-off, rival claims fraud

Incumbent President Daniel Noboa claimed a runaway victory in Ecuador's presidential election on Sunday, after voters endorsed the young leader's "iron fist" approach to rampant cartel violence.

- Agence France-Presse

QUITO:

With over 90% of the votes counted, the National Election Council said Noboa had an unassailable 12-point lead over his leftist rival Luisa Gonzalez.

Official results showed Noboa with 56% of the vote, against Gonzalez's 44% — a far bigger winning margin than expected after a virtual tie in the first round.

Speaking to jubilant supporters in his hometown of Olon, the 37-year-old president claimed a "historic victory".

"A huge hug to all those Ecuadorians who always believed in this young president!" he said.