People in Ecuador were casting their votes in the presidential elections on Sunday in the hope of electing a president to help bring the country out of this turmoil and assure security. The government has been experiencing crime and violence, which has left many dead.
The country has transformed into a significant drug-trafficking hub with frequent clashes between the local criminal gangs to obtain maximum control and power and to gain control of the streets, drug routes and the prison.
The country was an exception to the large-scale drug trafficking despite being geographically falling between the largest cocaine-producing countries of Colombia and Peru almost five years ago, but the scenario has now shifted drastically.
As per the various incidents that are reported , it’s not just the government officials but also the residents that fall victim to the brutality at the hands of the members of the organized criminal groups who have taken way many lives in the previous three years.
It was reported that Covid-19 was a significant catalyst to cause an uptick in unemployment as people started to indulge in drug trafficking when they lost their source of income during the lockdown imposed by the government to help curb the spread of the Covid-19 virus and its variant.
Many politicians have been killed this year, yet the issue persisting in Ecuador was brought forth globally when Fernando Villavicencio, one of the presidential candidates, was assassinated at the end of a rally conducted in Quito’s capital city on August 9. He was killed in broad daylight in the presence of his bodyguards and police officials at the rally’s site. This incident took place almost ten days before the presidential and legislative elections were going to take place.
This incident took place less than a week before Pedro Briones, Revolución Ciudadano’s local leader, was assassinated in the park of San Mateo parish, Esmeraldas, on August 15. This was reported by the Ecuadorian police in their statements published to the local media. He was said to have been shot twice by the members of a criminal gang.
Gladys Gonzalez, an expert on organised crime at the International Crisis Group, reported that citizens are likely to fear voting amidst the turmoil and violence frequently heard and seen throughout Ecuador.
Authorities state that violence cannot be predicted in such a country where politicians are assassinated in broad daylight, even in the presence of security officials. The issue of security remains the topmost priority and is of concern for the voters.
The National Electoral Council reported more than thirty thousand Ecuadoreans who live abroad have registered to vote via an online system designed by the council.
