Ecuadorians bravely defied the unprecedented violence plaguing their country and turned out to vote for a new president in a highly secure election on Sunday. The election took place under the watchful eye of police and soldiers following the assassination of a presidential candidate earlier in the month. Despite concerns, the top electoral authority reported that there were no violent incidents at voting centers and described the process as “peaceful and safe.”
However, the electronic voting system used by Ecuadorians living abroad was subjected to cyberattacks from various countries, including China, India, and Bangladesh. Fortunately, these incidents did not compromise the integrity of the vote count. The official website of the National Electoral Council experienced technical difficulties on election day, but the council’s social media pages remained active and kept the public informed. By Sunday evening, over 4% of votes had already been processed.
To ensure the safety of the election, more than 100,000 police and soldiers were deployed. Several individuals were arrested for offenses such as false voting, harassment, resisting arrest, and unlawfully carrying guns. Voting is mandatory in Ecuador for most citizens, and many weighed the risks of leaving their homes against the consequences of not voting.
Despite their concerns, Ecuadorians understood the importance of exercising their right to vote. Isaac Pérez, a 31-year-old warehouse worker, highlighted the necessity of participating in the election, stating, “Nobody votes for pleasure. We must go out (to vote).” However, Pérez remained skeptical about any candidate’s ability to address the country’s social issues, believing that change would not come easily.
The frontrunners in the election included candidates with affiliations to former President Rafael Correa and a millionaire with a background in security, who promised to take a tough stance on crime. Ecuadorians have been grappling with a surge in violent crime in recent years, causing fear among the population. The assassination of Fernando Villavicencio, a presidential candidate, further heightened concerns about safety and security in the country.
President Guillermo Lasso, who had dissolved the National Assembly in May to avoid impeachment, did not participate in the special election. The election was an opportunity for voters to voice their hopes for a better economy, job creation, and improved security. However, citizens recognized that lasting change would take time.
The election also included the selection of a new National Assembly and voting on two ballot measures regarding oil extraction in the Amazon jungle and the authorization of mineral exploitation in the Andean Choco forests.
The new president will face significant challenges, including addressing the lingering effects of the coronavirus pandemic and a struggling economy. Despite reduced growth expectations and declining oil revenues, there is hope that the election will pave the way for a brighter future.
In the midst of uncertainty, Ecuadorians demonstrated their commitment to democracy and the power of the vote. As Jamndrye Correa, an 18-year-old first-time voter, emphasized, crime and violence were at the forefront of his mind when casting his ballot. The challenges facing Ecuador are substantial, but the resilience and determination of its people offer a glimmer of hope for a better tomorrow.
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