November 02, 2006

Abstract: - Álvaro Noboa is holding on to the lead before the second round of Ecuador's presidential election, according to a poll by Consultar released by Gamavisión. 64 per cent of decided voters would support the Institutional Renewal Party of National Action (PRIAN) contender. Former economy minister Rafael Correa of Alliance Country (AP) would finish second with 36 per cent.

- Álvaro Noboa is holding on to the lead before the second round of Ecuador's presidential election, according to a poll by Consultar released by Gamavisión. 64 per cent of decided voters would support the Institutional Renewal Party of National Action (PRIAN) contender. Former economy minister Rafael Correa of Alliance Country (AP) would finish second with 36 per cent.

In the first round, held on Oct. 15, Noboa garnered 26.8 per cent of the vote, while Correa got 22.8 per cent. Since no contender received more than 50 per cent of all cast ballots, a run-off was scheduled for Nov. 26.

Last year, public protests against the elected government intensified after the Supreme Court threw out pending charges of corruption and mishandling of funds against former presidents Abdalá Bucaram and Gustavo Noboa. In mid-April, then-president Lucio Gutiérrez instituted a 24-hour state of emergency. The National Congress later voted to oust the head of state and replace him with vice-president Alfredo Palacio.

Yesterday, Noboa discussed his foreign policy proposals, saying, "I do not intent to seek the authorization to govern at Venezuela's embassy, at Cuba's embassy or at the United States embassy."

Polling Data

Who would you vote for in the presidential run-off?
(Valid votes)

Álvaro Noboa (PRIAN)	64%
Rafael Correa (AP)	36%

Source: Consultar / Gamavisión
Methodology: Interviews with 6,777 Ecuadorian adults, conducted in late October 2006. No margin of error was provided.