Ecuador’s presidential election will progress to a runoff between President Daniel Noboa and Luisa González of the leftist Revolución Ciudadana party after both garnered nearly equal votes. The election occurs amidst heightened violence and an energy crisis. Historical division among leftist factions, particularly regarding Indigenous support and resource extraction policies, may impact the runoff. González’s collaboration with Indigenous-aligned Pachakutik indicates potential shifts, while the significance of plurinationality looms large in shaping future governance.
Ecuador will enter a runoff election as President Daniel Noboa and Luisa González of the left-wing Revolución Ciudadana (RC) party received nearly identical vote shares. With over 75% of the ballots counted, Noboa leads with 44.6% while González follows closely at 44.02%. The election, marked by ongoing violence and instability, is accentuated by the assassination of candidate Fernando Villavicencio in 2023. This runoff, scheduled for April, comes amidst mounting concerns regarding crime and security.
Noboa’s predecessors implemented neoliberal agendas leading to Ecuador becoming a hub for narcotrafficking, resulting in one of the highest homicide rates globally. After winning the October 2023 runoff, Noboa declared an internal conflict against criminal organizations, emphasizing a stringent crackdown on crime. Despite his intentions, the militarization of public spaces has raised serious human rights concerns, highlighted by tragic incidents involving the military and civilians.
The ongoing violence is compounded by an energy crisis due to severe droughts causing blackouts, raising questions about the energy sector’s under-investment. Noboa’s apparent indifference to international law was brought to light following the arrest of former vice-president Jorge Glas after a raid on the Mexican embassy. The narrow electoral outcome suggests the upcoming second round will be highly contested, with the Ecuadorian left possibly uniting behind González.
Ecuador’s political landscape has been characterized by division, especially among supporters of former leftist president Rafael Correa. While Correa’s administration initially gained support from Indigenous voters by alleviating poverty, his later policies antagonized these groups. Conflicts arose from resource extraction policies and attempts to dismantle bilingual education, leading many Indigenous voters to align with right-wing factions against RC.
To address this divide, RC engaged in discussions with various leftist parties, including the Indigenous-aligned Pachakutik movement, striving to create a united electoral front for the upcoming elections. Although they did not present a singular presidential candidate, their agreement to avoid attacks on each other during the campaign presents a potential shift. However, the prospect of collaboration hinges on reconciling divergent views on resource extraction, with RC advocating for resource use and Pachakutik opposing it.
González has acknowledged the essential role of oil and gas in Ecuador but aims for a shift towards clean energy. Contrarily, Iza of Pachakutik envisions a post-extractive economy focused on sustainable agricultural and industrial growth. The campaign emphasized harmony with nature, contrasting sharply with RC’s extraction-focused stance.
The concept of plurinationality, established in Ecuador’s constitution in 2008, remains aspirational as successive governments prioritize resource extraction. Pachakutik’s campaign showcased its commitment to plurinational values, whilst most other candidates overlooked these tenets. As Ecuador approaches the runoff, the Indigenous movement is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the next presidency, pending RC’s sincerity in embracing plurinationalism alongside Pachakutik.
In conclusion, Ecuador’s impending runoff election highlights significant political tensions, particularly regarding Indigenous representation and resource management. President Noboa and Luisa González are battling for support in a deeply divided electorate influenced by a violent backdrop and economic instability. With Indigenous voters potentially central to the outcome, the collaboration between left-wing factions may redefine their political landscape. As tensions persist, the concept of plurinationalism also remains critical to future governance in Ecuador.
Original Source: theconversation.com
