In spite of the tragic assassination of a presidential candidate, Ecuador is maintaining its decision to hold the presidential elections on August 20, as announced by the National Electoral Council and President Guillermo Lasso.
Despite the atmosphere of mourning and shock caused by the assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio, Ecuador remains steadfast in its commitment to proceed with its electoral process. Diana Atamaint, head of the National Electoral Council, confirmed that the date of the presidential elections scheduled for August 20 will not be altered, stating that this decision is in line with legal constitutional mandate.
In a joint statement released on YouTube, Atamaint and Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso emphasized their dedication to democracy and the importance of maintaining the electoral schedule despite the tragic circumstances. This decision comes as Ecuador faces a pivotal moment in its political history, marked by the loss of a candidate actively engaged in the presidential race.
Concurrently, Ecuador has also taken the step of declaring a state of emergency in the country for a period of 60 days, according to AFP. This measure is likely aimed at ensuring security and maintaining public order in light of Fernando Villavicencio’s assassination and concerns regarding political stability.
