Ecuador’s Presidential Election: What to Know
Ecuador is gearing up for its presidential election on February 7, 2021, and the country is buzzing with anticipation and excitement. With a total of 16 candidates vying for the top spot, this election is shaping up to be a closely contested race.
One of the key issues at stake in this election is the country’s economy. Ecuador has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, with the economy shrinking by 11% in 2020. The next president will have the daunting task of reviving the economy and creating jobs for the millions of Ecuadorians who have been left unemployed due to the pandemic.
Another important issue in this election is corruption. Ecuador has a long history of corruption, with several former presidents being implicated in bribery scandals. The next president will need to tackle corruption head-on and restore faith in the country’s political institutions.
One of the frontrunners in the presidential race is Andrés Arauz, a former finance minister and protégé of former President Rafael Correa. Arauz has promised to boost social spending and increase public investment in infrastructure projects. He has also pledged to renegotiate Ecuador’s debt with international creditors to free up more funds for social programs.
Another strong contender is Guillermo Lasso, a former banker and businessman who has run for president twice before. Lasso has promised to create one million jobs in his first year in office and to attract foreign investment to boost the economy. He has also pledged to crack down on corruption and improve transparency in government.
Other candidates in the race include indigenous leader Yaku Pérez, environmentalist Carlos Sagñay, and former army captain Lucio Gutiérrez. Each candidate brings their own unique perspective and vision for the future of Ecuador, making this election one of the most diverse and competitive in recent memory.
As the election draws near, Ecuadorians are eagerly awaiting the chance to cast their votes and shape the future of their country. With so much at stake, the outcome of this election will have far-reaching consequences for the people of Ecuador and the region as a whole. Stay tuned for more updates as the race heats up and the candidates make their final push for the presidency.