Gonzalez, a protege of former President Rafael Correa who has promised to revive his social programs, won 33% support, while Noboa, son of prominent banana businessman and former presidential candidate Alvaro Noboa, was a surprise second-place with 24% of the vote.
The contest was darkened by the assassination of anti-corruption candidate Fernando Villavicencio earlier this month.
The crime is still under investigation, but Villavicencio, who was replaced as a candidate by his friend and fellow investigative journalist Christian Zurita, came third with 16%.
Noboa seemingly gained support after performing well in the only televised debate of the campaign.
Reporting by Alexandra Valencia and Julia Symmes Cobb; Editing by Simon Cameron-MooreOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
Persons:
Luisa Gonzalez, Daniel Noboa, Ecuador's, Gonzalez, Rafael Correa, Noboa, Alvaro Noboa, Fernando Villavicencio, Villavicencio, Christian Zurita, Sharp, Correa, Guillermo Lasso, Alfredo Espinosa, Espinosa, " Espinosa, Villavicencio's, Alexandra Valencia, Julia Symmes Cobb, Simon Cameron, Moore
Organizations:
Amazon, Thomson
Locations:
QUITO, Quito, Choco