A members of the Armed Forces stands guard at a polling station in Durán, Ecuador, 8 February 2025, on the eve of the presidential elections. In the throes of a bloody drug war, a shrinking economy and an acute energy crisis, Ecuadorans are remarkably optimistic about their country's future as they prepare to vote in Sunday election. (Photo by Marvin RECINOS / AFP) (Photo by MARVIN RECINOS/AFP via Getty Images)