Ecuadorian voters head to the polls today, Sunday, to elect a new president and legislative council, hoping they will lead the country out of a cycle of violence and economic troubles following a blood-soaked election campaign. Candidates have pledged to tackle the sharply rising crime rates, which the current government attributes to drug gangs. They also promised to improve a faltering economy, the repercussions of which have led to increased unemployment and emigration.
Security has become the most pressing issue in the elections since the assassination of candidate Fernando Villavicencio on August 9, shot dead while leaving an event held during his campaign. Villavicencio was an investigative journalist, a former lawmaker, and a fierce critic of corruption. Other candidates have reported being attacked, though police have stated in several instances that the violence was not directed at the candidates themselves.
Villavicencio's name and image will appear on the ballots that were printed before his death. Sunday also sees voting on two referendums related to environmental issues, which voters are expected to approve, potentially prohibiting mining in a forest near Quito and stopping the development of an oil field in the Amazon.
The 13 million voters are also choosing 137 members for the National Assembly. Voting is mandatory for those aged 18 to 65, and authorities have stated that 100,000 police and military personnel will secure the polling stations. A candidate needs to secure 50 percent of the votes or 40 percent with a ten-point lead over the nearest competitor to win in the first round. Otherwise, a runoff will be held on October 15.
