Quito, Ecuador
Voters in Ecuador on Sunday (20/8) went to the polls to elect a new president.
On August 9, one of the presidential candidates, Fernando Villavicencio, was shot dead while leaving a campaign trail.
His shooting increased some people’s fears about violence in Ecuador.
The ballot still bears Villavicencio’s name because it was printed before he died.
More than 100,000 police and soldiers were deployed to protect voters.
Voting, which is mandatory in Ecuador for people between the ages of 18 and 84, and those who do not vote can face hefty fines.
Some voters said they were prepared to face fines after Villavicencio’s death.
That opinion was shared by experts who said fear of violence could reduce turnout.
The main candidate in this election is Luisa Gonzalez, the only female candidate who is a lawyer and an ally of former President Rafael Correa.
Correa was sentenced in absentia in 2020 amid allegations of bribery. He now lives in Belgium.
Gonzalez, a former lawmaker, has promised to take the exiled Correa as his adviser if he wins the presidency.
A candidate must win 50% of the vote, or at least 40% with a 10 point advantage over the nearest opponent. If there is no winner, a second round of voting will be held on October 15.
Voters also elect members of the new National Assembly. (my/h)
