Ecuador's run-off presidential election could end years of political deadlock, but the country's instability, along with its security and economic challenges, will almost certainly persist regardless of the outcome. On Oct. 15, Ecuadorians will choose between two presidential candidates in the final round of the country's early elections, called after President Guillermo Lasso invoked a constitutional mechanism to dissolve the National Assembly in May over an impending vote to impeach him. Left-wing Citizen Revolution Movement candidate Luisa Gonzalez, a protege of former President Rafael Correa, came in first place in the first round of the election held on Aug. 20, with 33.6% of the vote. Gonzalez will compete with center-right National Democratic Action candidate Daniel Noboa, who unexpectedly came in second place in August after securing 23.4% of the vote. The winner of the Oct. 15 election will take office on Nov. 30 and serve for less than two years...
