Ecuador’s presidential candidates wrap up campaign ahead of special vote

The eight presidential candidates in Ecuador wrapped up their election campaigns for the upcoming early general elections on August 20.

Over the 35-day campaign period, the candidates engaged in rallies, caravans, and media interviews across various provinces, promoting their governance agendas.

Ecuador’s 13.4 million eligible voters will choose between one female and seven male candidates with diverse political stances to succeed the current president, Guillermo Lasso.

Voters will also be deciding on a vice-president and 137 members of the National Assembly. In addition, two public consultations on oil and mining will be part of the voting process.

Security measures were heightened during the campaign’s culmination, given the nation’s surge in violence and crime.

This surge affected politicians and cast a shadow over the electoral period.

A notable incident was the fatal shooting of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio on August 9, leading to a 60-day nationwide state of emergency.

While some candidates employed bulletproof vests and police protection against potential violence during their campaign events, others implemented strict entry checks at their gatherings to prevent unforeseen incidents.

The candidates were active on social media throughout, portraying both personal and light-hearted sides.

On August 13, they participated in a debate primarily focusing on the country’s pressing security issues.

Following the campaign’s end, an electoral silence period began, prohibiting any election-related broadcasts across all media platforms, including digital.

A ban on alcohol sales and consumption was also implemented, as per the National Electoral Council’s schedule.

Ecuador’s early voting decision comes after President Lasso dissolved the National Assembly last May, amidst an impeachment process against him, calling for premature elections.

The newly-elected officials will serve until May 2025, marking the end of Lasso’s initially intended term.