18 Feb 2021 | 12:18 PM UTC
Ecuador: Opposition activists expected to arrive in Quito Feb. 23 to stage election-related protests
Supporters of opposition presidential candidate plan to arrive and protest in Quito, Ecuador, Feb. 23, after long-haul march.
Event
Supporters of presidential opposition candidate Yaku Perez plan to arrive in Quito Feb. 23 to protest developments related to the first round of the Feb. 7 presidential election and demand a vote recount. Leaders of the Confederation of Peoples of the Kichwa Nationality of Ecuador (Ecuarunari) and other indigenous movements recently launched a long-distance march from Loja to Quito in support of Perez, who has stated that he intends to join the demonstrations Feb. 23. Activists from other provinces will also reportedly travel to Quito for the protests. Details on the specific rally points have not been specified, though the National Electoral Council (Consejo Nacional Electoral, CNE) is likely to be the focal area for the protests. The events are likely to draw large crowds.
Police will almost certainly deploy to monitor the protests and secure government buildings. Clashes between police and protesters are possible if police attempt to disperse those who block roads or breach security cordons near government buildings. Localized traffic disruptions are likely to occur.
Context
Guillermo Lasso, supported by an alliance between CREO and the Social Christian Party, narrowly overtook Yaku Perez of Pachakutik to claim second place in the election, with Andres Arauz, supported by the Union for Hope alliance, securing first place. Perez supporters have held several protests since the election, alleging electoral fraud and demanding a vote recount in several provinces. Perez requested a full vote recount in Guayas Province and a recount of 50 percent of the votes in 16 other provinces; however, on Feb. 16, the CNE announced that the recount could not be approved as the council could not reach a majority in favor of the request. The presidential run-off election is scheduled for April 11; additional protests are highly likely during the election period.
Advice
Avoid all protests. If violence breaks out near you, leave the area immediately and seek shelter in a secure location. Allow additional time if operating in Quito Feb. 23.
