Another Chaotic Election

By Scott Morgan

Once again there is an Election with a flawed result that is garnering some interest. However, this time it is not in Africa. But it is playing out in South America.

On Feb. 7th the voters went to the polls in Ecuador. The incumbent Lenin Moreno chose not to seek another term in office, therefore a new President will be elected to deal with the Economic malaise that the handling of COVID-19 has had a negative impact on. The results of the poll indicate that there will be a runoff currently pencilled in for April.

Andreas Arauz, a left leaning economist and a protege of former President Raphael Correa, came in first collecting 32.44% of the ballots cast. This secures his position as being one of the candidates for the next poll. But there is an issue regarding who will be opposing him in the runoff.

At this time there is a dispute regarding who the other party for the runoff. Incredibly with about 3% of the ballots yet to be uncounted at latest count the indigenous environmental activist Yaku Perez has 19.65% of the vote. Closely following is Guillermo Lasso a former banker with right leaning views had 19.60% of the vote. 

After the polls closed supporters of Mr. Perez surrounded the CNE (National Electoral Council) after he made allegations of fraud without providing any evidence of fraud taking place. On Feb 10th, outgoing President Moreno called on the CNE to respect every request for a revision and to do so with the upmost transparency.

The Organization of American States (OAS) which sent a mission to observe the elections called on the people of Ecuador to "calmly await the results." 

The OAS also called upon the political actors to behave responsibly and upon the NEC to provide guarantees of transparency, certainty, and legal security to all parties awaiting results of the process.

Similar remarks also came from the Biden Administration. It called upon the people to exercise patience until all the ballots were counted and to work to resolve conflicts in a peaceful and transparent manner in accordance with Ecuador's Constitution and establish norms and processes.

Change is coming to Ecuador. Who the next leader will be is going to be the challenge. Getting a second contender on the runoff ballot is the next major hurdle to clear. 

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