Ecuador: Disruptions, increased security likely through at least Feb. 6 due to local elections and a national referendum

Event

Disruptions are likely throughout Ecuador through at least Feb. 6, as the country holds local and regional elections and a national referendum Feb. 5. Over 13 million people are registered to participate in the polls. More than 5,000 officials will be elected, including the 23 prefects of the country's provinces (the province of Galapagos does not have a prefect), 221 municipal mayors, and hundreds of local council members. Additionally, voters nationwide will answer eight questions in a referendum, with security issues, changes in the National Assembly, the Attorney General's Office, and the political party system. The vote is mandatory for people between 18-64 years old, and close to 40,000 polling centers will be open between 07:00-17:00.

Heightened security and movement restrictions are likely near polling stations, major roads, and central squares. On election day, numerous streets will be closed, notably near polling centers and government buildings. In Quito, authorities will close the following roads, Luis Cordero avenue between Andalucia and 12 de Octubre and Isabel La Catolica Avenue between Francisco Salazar and Luis Cordero avenues from 05:00 Feb. 5 to 08:00 Feb. 6. There will be additional road closures along Naciones Unidas, Juan Pablo Saenz, 10 de Agosto and Juan Gonzalez avenues near the Pichincha Provincial Electoral Delegation from 14:00 Feb. 4 to 06:00 Feb. 6, and along Galo Plaza Lasso avenue near the National Processing Center from 12:00 Feb. 5 to 06:00 Feb. 6. As of Feb. 3, authorities enacted a "dry law" that bans the sale, distribution, or consumption of alcohol nationwide until 12:00 Feb. 6.

Politically motivated rallies and demonstrations are possible immediately following the election, and the publication of the results is possible near polling centers, main city squares, and around candidates' headquarters. Major disruptions or clashes associated with the electoral results are unlikely to occur.

Advice

Strictly heed instructions from authorities. Allow additional time to reach your destination if operating in Ecuador Feb. 3-6. Avoid protests if these materialize.