Soldiers stand guard outside Carondelet Palace in Quito on November 21, 2024, ahead of a protest by unions and social organizations against Daniel Noboa's government. Drug-related violence, political turmoil, a faltering economy and blackouts lasting up to 14 hours a day mark the run-up to Ecuador's February presidential elections, in which President Daniel Noboa is seeking re-election. (Photo by Rodrigo BUENDIA / AFP) (Photo by RODRIGO BUENDIA/AFP via Getty Images)