European Union observers rejected allegations of electoral fraud in Ecuador's presidential elections, countering claims made by leftist candidate Luisa Gonzalez following her defeat to incumbent conservative President Daniel Noboa.

“We categorically reject the repeated narrative of fraud which has led the (Citizens' Revolution) candidate not to recognise the results,” stated Gabriel Mato, head of the EU's observation mission, during a press conference, as per Reuters. The EU team reported no evidence of manipulation or credible indications of fraud, affirming that Ecuadoreans had exercised their right to vote freely.

"Election day was overall calm and transparent, with a higher presence of political party representatives than in the first round. Opening and voting procedures were largely followed, and EU observers as well as political party representatives could follow the counting without undue restrictions," the EU observer mission said in a statement.

Noboa's victory, with a commanding lead of more than 1mn votes, represented a surprising sweep compared to the February first round, where he edged Gonzalez by just over 16,700 votes. The result has been recognised by electoral authorities, the Organisation of American States, the United States and even members of Gonzalez's own political circle, with internal party support for Gonzalez's call for a recount dwindling.

In a significant political development, the indigenous party Pachakutik, which had previously backed Gonzalez, issued a statement acknowledging Noboa's victory and expressing hope that his campaign promises would be implemented for the nation's benefit.

Gonzalez, a protegè of former exiled president Rafael Correa, has maintained a conspicuous absence from public view since the night of April 13 and has not provided specific details to support her claims of what she termed a "grotesque" fraud.

“We are going to defend our right to democracy. Ecuador cannot continue to be governed by a person incapable of leading it toward peace and development, someone who only prioritises their business and the well-being of their family,” Gonzalez stated on April 13 while calling for a recount.

While validating the overall integrity of the election, the EU observation mission did note areas for improvement in future contests, particularly regarding the proper tracking of campaign donations and online disinformation campaigns "frequently amplified through paid advertisements and bot farms."