Ecuador’s Guillermo Lasso Wins Presidential Election

Ecuador on Sunday elected a conservative former banker and supporter of free-market policies as president over his populist opponent, setting the country on a pro-business path.

Guillermo Lasso, 65 years old, received over 52% of the vote to clinch the presidency, his third attempt at running for office. He defeated Arauz, a 36-year-old leftist economist powerful ex-president Rafael Correa. Mr. Arauz conceded with more than 95% of votes counted.

Mr. Lasso will inherit a bruised economy and health crisis as the Covid-19 pandemic rages across South America. From Brazil to Peru and Chile, hospitals are being pushed to the brink as infections surge to record levels, crimping hopes for an economic rebound.

For years, Iâve dreamed about the possibility of serving Ecuadoreans, so the country progresses. Today, you've made that possible,â Mr. Lasso said to cheering supporters. We'll build a more just country, with more prosperity for everyone.

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