Ecuador: General elections to take place Feb. 7

Event

Ecuador will hold general elections Feb. 7 to elect a president, vice president, and members of the 137-seat National Assembly, provincial assemblies, and the Andean Parliament. More than 13 million people are eligible to vote at nearly 40,000 polling stations nationwide; voting will take place 0700-1700. A second round of the presidential election will be held April 11 if no candidate attains more than 50 percent of the vote, or more than 40 percent of the vote and 10 percent more than the nearest contender. The new presidency will take office May 24.

A heightened security presence and movement restriction measures are likely at polling stations, National Electoral Council (CNE) buildings, government buildings, and other sensitive sites. Officials will deploy 47,013 military and police personnel to facilitate the elections throughout the country. A ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol will be in place 1200 Feb. 5-1200 Feb. 8.

Most municipal measures in place to curb the spread of COVID-19 will remain in place through the election period; however, national authorities have urged local officials to temporarily lift mobility restrictions Feb. 7 to facilitate voting. In Quito, current vehicular restrictions already permit all vehicles on roads on Sundays; however, officials have confirmed that the 2300-0400 vehicular ban will remain in force through the election period. Nationwide requirements to wear a facemask in public and comply with social distancing measures will continue to be enforced.

Although the campaign period for the election concluded Feb. 4, politically motivated rallies and demonstrations are possible ahead of and during the election, especially near polling stations, party offices, and government buildings. The election period has so far remained largely peaceful. Minor skirmishes are possible during rallies, particularly between supporters of opposing camps or if police use force to disperse crowds; however, major violence is unlikely. Any voting irregularities or disruptions to voting processes could also prompt protests.

Context

Of the 16 candidates registered with the CNE, the primary contenders in the presidential election are Andres Arauz of the Union for Hope (Union por la Esperanza, UNES) coalition, who is backed former president Rafael Correa; Guillermo Lasso Mendoza of the Creating Opportunities Movement (Movimiento Creando Oportunidades, CREO); and Yaku Perez Guartambel of the indigenous Pachakutik Plurinational Unity Movement (Movimiento de Unidad Plurinacional Pachakutik, MUPP). The election is widely expected to head to a run-off poll in April.

Advice

Avoid all demonstrations, political rallies, and political party offices as a precaution through Feb. 8. Seek updated information from local, trusted sources on rally locations and associated disruptions. Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures.