Ecuador’s High-Stakes Election: Amidst Tragedy and Tension, Who Will Emerge Victorious?
In a pivotal moment for Ecuador, citizens are casting their votes in a high-stakes presidential election, but the process is marred by concerns of violence.
To ensure the safety of the polls against an unusual level of unrest, thousands of additional police officers and soldiers have been deployed. The lead-up to the vote was rocked by a shocking incident where a prominent candidate was tragically shot in broad daylight.
On this Sunday, Ecuador’s 13 million eligible voters are not only participating in a presidential election but are also making their voices heard by electing 137 members of the National Assembly and contributing their opinions to two environmental referendums.
Throughout the campaign period, the focus has been on promises to address the surge in criminal activity and to give a much-needed boost to the struggling economy. However, the paramount concern has been security, especially following the devastating murder of presidential contender Fernando Villavicencio during a campaign rally on August 9. In response, over 100,000 police and soldiers have been strategically placed to safeguard the voting process from any further violent incidents.
The election itself was set in motion after conservative President Guillermo Lasso dissolved the National Assembly in May, effectively sidestepping an impeachment trial. This move occurred just two years after his initial election into office.
Participation in the voting process is compulsory for Ecuadorians aged 18 to 64, underlining the significance of this democratic exercise.
The presidential race features a lineup of eight candidates, each vying to secure the role of the country’s next leader. Notably, Luisa Gonzalez, a supporter of exiled leftist former President Rafael Correa, has emerged as a strong contender. Her platform emphasizes economic growth and an expansion of social programs. Jan Topic, a millionaire candidate known for his law and order stance, has promised to eliminate criminal gangs and bolster prison infrastructure, earning him the moniker “Ecuadorian Rambo.”
Other prominent candidates include Otto Sonnenholzner, a right-wing former vice president born in Germany, and Yaku Perez, an Indigenous advocate who is committed to safeguarding the environment and water sources from the perils of mining and oil extraction.
In the wake of Villavicencio’s tragic death, his party has rallied behind investigative journalist Christian Zurita, who has stepped in as the new contender in the race.
Running parallel to the presidential election are two crucial referendums that Ecuadorians are participating in. One vote pertains to the cessation of oil extraction in the Amazon jungle, while the other seeks to determine whether the exploitation of minerals like gold, silver, and copper in the Andean Choco forests should be prohibited.
The aftermath of this election holds great significance. The winning presidential candidate will govern for the remainder of Lasso’s truncated term, which spans less than two years. To secure an outright victory, a candidate needs either 50% of the votes or a minimum of 40% with a lead of 10 percentage points over the closest contender. If these thresholds are not met, a runoff vote is scheduled for October 15.
Polling stations opened their doors at 7 a.m. local time (1200 GMT) and are slated to close at 5 p.m. Preliminary results are anticipated to be announced later on Sunday, although the final count might take up to 10 days to finalize.
By: M Z Hossain, Editor Sky Buzz Feed
