Ecuador candidate backed by Correa will face business heir in presidential runoff

Supporters of Ecuadorean presidential candidate Luisa Gonzalez gather during a presidential election night event, in Quito, Ecuador August 20, 2023. REUTERS/Karen Toro

QUITO (Reuters) -Two former lawmakers, leftist Luisa Gonzalez and banana industry heir Daniel Noboa, will battle for Ecuador's presidency in an October run-off after coming top in the first round of voting on Sunday, with pro-business Noboa's surprising ascent a balm to investors.

Gonzalez, a protégé of former President Rafael Correa who has promised to revive his social programs, won 33% support, while Noboa, son of prominent banana businessman and perennial presidential candidate Alvaro Noboa, was a surprise second-place with 24% of the vote.