In a globalized context where nations navigate challenges posed by economic, social, and political complexities, the selection of adept leaders becomes pivotal. This study focuses on the prerequisites for presidential candidates in Ecuador, underscoring the need for a comprehensive understanding of national realities, ranging from development models to governance structures. The research aims to establish criteria for evaluating candidates, fostering strategic policy development and effective governance. The Delphi method, involving 12 experts from diverse backgrounds, was employed. Two rounds of consultation were conducted to establish consensus on the characteristics of an ideal presidential candidate. The study reveals that both humanistic and academic characteristics significantly contribute to an effective presidential candidate in Ecuador. Humanistic traits emerge as dominant, grouping a higher number of characteristics and explaining 45.6% of the data variance. Academic attributes contribute significantly, accounting for 23.4% of the variance, potentially influencing election outcomes. Charisma, identified as a common element with equal strength in both factors, is essential and may stem from the interplay of humanistic and academic traits. The conclusion drawn is that a successful presidential candidate in Ecuador should possess a balanced combination of humanistic and academic traits. Humanistic qualities, including empathy, effective communication, and leadership skills, emerge as particularly influential, explaining a substantial portion of the variance. Academic attributes, such as educational background and knowledge of national and international affairs, also play a significant role, contributing to a well-rounded candidate profile. The findings have implications for political parties, consultants, and the general public in assessing and selecting presidential candidates. The study suggests that a candidate’s charisma, though influential, is intertwined with humanistic and academic qualities. Future research is recommended to explore charisma-related attributes further and employ confirmatory analyses, such as Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), to precisely measure the impact of these characteristics. Future research should delve into characteristics related to charisma and conduct confirmatory analyses to better measure their impact. Additionally, investigating the interrelation between humanistic and academic traits using SEM could provide a more nuanced understanding of their combined influence on presidential success. In summary, this research contributes valuable insights into the criteria for evaluating presidential candidates in Ecuador, emphasizing the importance of both humanistic and academic characteristics. The findings provide a foundation for informed candidate selection, ultimately contributing to the ongoing discourse on effective presidential leadership in the country.