The recent withdrawal of Leonidas Iza, president of the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE), from the upcoming elections has prompted discussions regarding the future role of the indigenous movement in Ecuador’s political landscape.
Ecuadorian analyst Henry Allan spoke with the Sputnik outlet to provide insights into this situation.
On June 2, Iza renounced his presidential candidacy for the August 20 elections, citing insufficient conditions to participate under the banner of Pachakutik, CONAIE’s political arm.
According to local media, this decision highlights a conflict with Marlon Santi, the current leader of the indigenous party, who is accused of misappropriating it.
Henry Allan argued that this dispute involves significant ideological tensions within CONAIE and the broader national context of political polarization.
Allan explained that it’s crucial to recognize the dynamics of the two primary sectors within CONAIE to comprehend this internal conflict.
“CONAIE is the social organization that encompasses all indigenous communities in Ecuador, functioning outside the political party system. It’s the epitome of a social movement,” said Allan.
Conversely, Pachakutik, created by CONAIE, operates within the party system as its political representation.
Until recently, CONAIE maintained tight control over its political wing. However, a divide emerged in 2012 when a faction emphasizing ethnic identity over class struggle began to gain prominence within Pachakutik.
While this faction focuses on advocating for cultural differences and a pluricultural, multidiverse nation, Allan warned that it had neglected structural demands such as agrarian reform and wealth distribution.
This faction, currently led by Marlon Santi, has frequently negotiated with the political right-wing opposition.
Allan recalled that their opposition to former president Rafael Correa’s policies, which they viewed as dismissive of a pluricultural and diverse state, significantly contributed to Guillermo Lasso’s victory in the last election.
However, within CONAIE, a faction has emerged in recent years, led by Leonidas Iza, embracing Marxist principles and emphasizing wealth redistribution.
“Iza aligns more closely with the principles of Correism,” assured Allan.
With Iza and former congressman Salvador Quishpe, another Pachakutik-linked pre-candidate, both out of the running, Allan expressed skepticism over the possibility of an indigenous presidential candidacy.
He posited that the risk of damaging the prestige of the indigenous movement might deter this faction, allied with Lasso, from launching a presidential candidacy.
“I doubt we’ll see a Pachakutik candidate. It’s speculative, but I don’t believe they’ll overcome their disputes to present a unified candidate, which could fracture the movement,” Allan said.
Instead, Allan suggested that the focus would likely be on securing significant representation in the assembly, particularly in indigenous-majority provinces.
He concluded that the likely final stance would be to allow their members to vote freely among the existing candidates.
Ecuador news, English news Ecuador, Ecuador presidential elections 2023, Pachakutik, CONAIE, Leonidas Iza, Marlon Santi, influence of indigenous movements on Ecuador’s elections, indigenous movements Ecuador
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