Polling stations workers count ballots as polls close in Ecuador's presidential election, with incumbent Daniel Noboa hoping to defeat leftist challenger Luisa Gonzalez after a campaign dominated by drug-related violence. "The expectations are high. I hope things will change in our country," says voter Mariana de la Cruz outside a polling station in Quito. "It's really been a very critical year in terms of crime, security, and also employment," she adds. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES