WASHINGTON

US President Donald Trump extended his congratulations Monday to right-wing Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa, who secured a second term in office following weekend polls in which the Central American nation's gang violence figured prominently with voters.

"Congratulations to Daniel Noboa, who will be a great leader for the wonderful people of Ecuador. He will not let you down," he said on social media.

In 2023, Noboa ran and won the nation's highest office, endorsed by the National Democratic Action movement, following then-President Guillermo Lasso's dissolution of Congress and subsequent call for elections.

Despite facing criticism for the lack of tangible security improvements during his prior term, his message resonated with a significant portion of the electorate, leading to his re-election.

In the first round of voting on Feb. 9, Noboa secured a narrow victory, defeating Gonzalez by fewer than 17,000 votes.

While Gonzalez garnered substantial support, particularly from those seeking social and economic reforms, Noboa's focus on security ultimately proved decisive in the runoff.