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<p>Ecuadoreans on Sunday (August 20) began&nbsp;voting in the presidential election.</p>

<p>The eight presidential hopefuls of the South American nation have pledged to fight huge spurt in crime, which the current government blames on drug gangs, and improve the struggling economy.</p>

<p>On August 9, presidential hopeful Fernando Villavicencio was assassinated, leading to security issues taking the centre&nbsp;stage in the election. Six suspects, all Colombians police say belong to criminal gangs, were held in connection with &nbsp;Fernando Villavicencio's assassination. Another suspect died of injuries sustained in the shootout.</p>

<p>According to a report by the news agency Reuters on Sunday, other presidential hopefuls have also reported attacks against them. However, in several cases, the police said that violence was not directed at the hopefuls themselves. The hopefuls carried out their election campaign wearing bulletproof vests.</p>

<h2><strong>Completely atypical election: Expert</strong></h2>

<p>Speaking to the news agency AFP, political scientist Anamaria Correa Crespo said that this election is atypical, in a situation basically of horror that Ecuador is going through... due to the existing violence, but which manifested itself in a more acute and atrocious way.</p>

<p>Apart from Villavicencio, several other political assassinations marked the run-up to the vote. Outgoing president Guillermo Lasso called the snap election after he dissolved the opposition-dominated Congress in May to avoid an impeachment trial just two years after his election.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Villavicencio's replacement receives death threats</strong></h2>

<p>Luisa Gonzalez, a protegee of Correa, led polling before Villavicencio's murder with about 30 per cent of voting intention. And Villavicencio was replaced by Christian Zurita. AFP reported that ahead of the election, Zurita said he was receiving death threats on social media.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The threats against my life and my team will not stop us, but they are forcing us to take greater security protocols," Zurita said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. He has promised to better equip the police and enshrine intelligence protocols to fight crime, using international loans to shore up social programs.</p>

<p>This time, the leading presidential hopefuls include right-wing businessman Jan Topic, right-wing former vice-president Otto Sonnenholzner, and leftist Indigenous attorney Yaku Perez.</p>

<p>Political analysts have said that Jan Topic, 40, has seen the biggest boost in his popularity.</p>

<p>Nicknamed "Rambo," the former paratrooper and sniper with the French Foreign Legion has vowed to wipe out criminal gangs and build more prisons, emulating El Salvador's Nayib Bukele.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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Ecuadoreans on Sunday (August 20) began voting in the presidential election. The eight presidential hopefuls of the South American nation have pledged to fight huge spurt in crime, which the current government blames on drug gangs, and improve the struggling economy.

Ecuadoreans on Sunday (August 20) began voting in the presidential election. The eight presidential hopefuls of the South American nation have pledged to fight huge spurt in crime, which the current government blames on drug gangs, and improve the struggling economy. On August 9, presidential hopeful Fernando Villavicencio was assassinated, leading to security issues taking the centre stage in the election. Six suspects, all Colombians police say belong to criminal gangs, were held in connection with Fernando Villavicencio's assassination. Another suspect died of injuries sustained in the shootout. According to a report by the news agency Reuters on Sunday, other presidential hopefuls have also reported attacks against them. However, in several cases, the police said that violence was not directed at the hopefuls themselves. The hopefuls carried out their election campaign wearing bulletproof vests. Completely atypical election: Expert Speaking to the news agency AFP, political scientist Anamaria Correa Crespo said that this election is atypical, in a situation basically of horror that Ecuador is going through... due to the existing violence, but which manifested itself in a more acute and atrocious way. Apart from Villavicencio, several other political assassinations marked the run-up to the vote. Outgoing president Guillermo Lasso called the snap election after he dissolved the opposition-dominated Congress in May to avoid an impeachment trial just two years after his election. Villavicencio's replacement receives death threats Luisa Gonzalez, a protegee of Correa, led polling before Villavicencio's murder with about 30 per cent of voting intention. And Villavicencio was replaced by Christian Zurita. AFP reported that ahead of the election, Zurita said he was receiving death threats on social media. "The threats against my life and my team will not stop us, but they are forcing us to take greater security protocols," Zurita said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. He has promised to better equip the police and enshrine intelligence protocols to fight crime, using international loans to shore up social programs. This time, the leading presidential hopefuls include right-wing businessman Jan Topic, right-wing former vice-president Otto Sonnenholzner, and leftist Indigenous attorney Yaku Perez. Political analysts have said that Jan Topic, 40, has seen the biggest boost in his popularity. Nicknamed "Rambo," the former paratrooper and sniper with the French Foreign Legion has vowed to wipe out criminal gangs and build more prisons, emulating El Salvador's Nayib Bukele. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ecuador election: Polling begins as spiraling violence, economic troubles bother voters

<p>Jose Adolfo Macias, also known as "Fito", who is facing allegations of issuing death threats to murdered Ecuador presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio, has been&nbsp;transferred to&nbsp;maximum security jail, media reports said. The dawn operation saw the presence of thousands of Ecuadorian soldiers and police.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Previously confined in Guayaquil's Prison 8 since 2011, "Fito" can be seen in the video footage, wearing only underwear and handcuffed, as security personnel transferred him to another prison. President Guillermo Lasso disclosed that "Fito" had been relocated to La Roca, a maximum security prison with a capacity of 150 inmates, within the same complex.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fresh-cases-of-bubonic-plague-detected-in-china-625031">Fresh cases of bubonic plague detected in China</a></p>

<p>Villavicencio, an advocate against corruption, was fatally shot thrice after a campaign event. Prior to his death, he had disclosed threats from the gang "Los Choneros," including Fito.&nbsp;"If I continue... mentioning Los Choneros [the gang], they are going to break me," he reportedly said.</p>

<p>The assassination of Villavicencio, marked by its brutality, has deeply shocked a country that had mostly evaded the extensive drug-related violence and corruption seen in its neighboring nations.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ecuadorian forces move notorious gang leader to maximum security jail after he's accused of sending death threats to murdered presidential candidate.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ecuador?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ecuador</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Fito?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Fito</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FernandoVillavicencio?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FernandoVillavicencio</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/corruption?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#corruption</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/murder?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#murder</a> <a href="https://t.co/A4MhZP6cet">pic.twitter.com/A4MhZP6cet</a></p>
— Tiger News Report (@TigerRepor) <a href="https://twitter.com/TigerRepor/status/1690685889968754688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Despite this, crime rates have surged in recent times, partly attributed to the influence of Colombian and Mexican drug cartels.</p>

<h2><strong>Presidential candidate replacement&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Only a week is remaining for the August 20 election in Ecuador. The running mate of slain candidate Fernando Villavicencio will run for president in his place, the Construye party said on Saturday (August 12).</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/maui-wildfires-death-toll-climbs-to-93-hundreds-still-missing-top-points-625038">Maui wildfires: Death toll climbs to 93, hundreds still missing | Top points</a></p>

<p>"The movement will replace the presidential ticket by putting Andrea Gonzalez as president," the party said in a statement. Gonzalez, 36, is due to participate in a presidential debate in Quito on Sunday.</p>

<h2><strong>Widow's accusations against government</strong></h2>

<p>Veronica Sarauz, Villavicencio's widow, holds the state accountable for her husband's killing. She also expressed&nbsp;discontent over Gonzalez being selected as her husband's replacement in the upcoming election. Villavicencio's campaign had centered on corruption and drug-related concerns, and he had been one of the few candidates to assert ties between organised crime and Ecuadorian government officials.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Pakistani senator Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar is Pak's transitionary PM</strong></p>

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<p>In the days leading up to his murder, Villavicencio had filed complaints with the Public Prosecutor's Office concerning suspected irregularities in oil contracts from the administration of former president Rafael Correa. These alleged discrepancies were believed to have incurred significant financial losses for the nation of&nbsp;US $9bn (£7 bn).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Six Colombians have been apprehended in connection with the assassination, and another was killed in a confrontation with law enforcement. The identity of those who contracted and financed the hitmen in the killing of the presidential candidate remains undisclosed.</p>

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Jose Adolfo Macias, also known as "Fito", who is facing allegations of issuing death threats to murdered Ecuador presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio, has been transferred to maximum security jail, media reports said.

Jose Adolfo Macias, also known as "Fito", who is facing allegations of issuing death threats to murdered Ecuador presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio, has been transferred to maximum security jail, media reports said. The dawn operation saw the presence of thousands of Ecuadorian soldiers and police. Previously confined in Guayaquil's Prison 8 since 2011, "Fito" can be seen in the video footage, wearing only underwear and handcuffed, as security personnel transferred him to another prison. President Guillermo Lasso disclosed that "Fito" had been relocated to La Roca, a maximum security prison with a capacity of 150 inmates, within the same complex. Also Read | Fresh cases of bubonic plague detected in China Villavicencio, an advocate against corruption, was fatally shot thrice after a campaign event. Prior to his death, he had disclosed threats from the gang "Los Choneros," including Fito. "If I continue... mentioning Los Choneros [the gang], they are going to break me," he reportedly said. The assassination of Villavicencio, marked by its brutality, has deeply shocked a country that had mostly evaded the extensive drug-related violence and corruption seen in its neighboring nations. Ecuadorian forces move notorious gang leader to maximum security jail after he's accused of sending death threats to murdered presidential candidate.#Ecuador #Fito #FernandoVillavicencio #corruption #murder pic.twitter.com/A4MhZP6cet — Tiger News Report (@TigerRepor) August 13, 2023 × Despite this, crime rates have surged in recent times, partly attributed to the influence of Colombian and Mexican drug cartels. Presidential candidate replacement Only a week is remaining for the August 20 election in Ecuador. The running mate of slain candidate Fernando Villavicencio will run for president in his place, the Construye party said on Saturday (August 12). Also Read | Maui wildfires: Death toll climbs to 93, hundreds still missing | Top points "The movement will replace the presidential ticket by putting Andrea Gonzalez as president," the party said in a statement. Gonzalez, 36, is due to participate in a presidential debate in Quito on Sunday. Widow's accusations against government Veronica Sarauz, Villavicencio's widow, holds the state accountable for her husband's killing. She also expressed discontent over Gonzalez being selected as her husband's replacement in the upcoming election. Villavicencio's campaign had centered on corruption and drug-related concerns, and he had been one of the few candidates to assert ties between organised crime and Ecuadorian government officials. Watch | Pakistani senator Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar is Pak's transitionary PM × In the days leading up to his murder, Villavicencio had filed complaints with the Public Prosecutor's Office concerning suspected irregularities in oil contracts from the administration of former president Rafael Correa. These alleged discrepancies were believed to have incurred significant financial losses for the nation of US $9bn (£7 bn). Six Colombians have been apprehended in connection with the assassination, and another was killed in a confrontation with law enforcement. The identity of those who contracted and financed the hitmen in the killing of the presidential candidate remains undisclosed. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

WATCH | Gangster accused of giving death threats to slain Ecuador presidential candidate moved to max security

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<p>With just a week left for the August 20 election in Ecuador, the running mate of slain candidate Fernando Villavicencio will run for president in his place, the Construye party said on Saturday (August 12). "The movement will replace the presidential ticket by putting Andrea Gonzalez as president," the party said in a statement. Gonzalez, 36, is due to participate in a presidential debate in Quito on Sunday.</p>

<p>Gonzalez was the vice-presidential running mate for Villavicencio. According to a report by the news agency AFP, her work has been focused on environmental advocacy, particularly concerning oceans and mangroves, as well as combatting wildlife trafficking and deforestation.</p>

<p>Villavicencio’s Build party, or Construye in Spanish, announced on social media that Andrea González was replacing the 59-year-old as its presidential candidate in the 20 August vote.<br />
<br />
The Construye party statement also said that the name of the vice presidential candidate would be announced shortly, adding the candidate would be chosen among the most trusted of those who shared the struggles of Villavicencio.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Six Colombians arrested for Villavicencio's assassination</strong></h2>

<p>Six Colombians have so far been arrested and another killed over the assassination of Villaviencio. They have been charged with murder and the investigation continues. Last week, Villavicencio, a journalist, and a prominent anti-corruption crusader, was gunned down as he left a campaign rally in the capital city of Quito. He had been receiving threats from Los Choneros, one of the country's most powerful drug gangs.</p>

<p>On Thursday, Ecuador declared a state of emergency for two months. According to Interior Minister Juan Zapata, the assailants belonged to "organized crime groups," without specifying which ones. Current President Guillermo Lasso said the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) accepted Ecuador's request for help, with a delegation arriving soon.</p>

<h2><strong>Govt responsible for Villavicencio's murder: Widow</strong></h2>

<p>Veronica Sarauz, the widow of Villavicencio, said on Saturday that the government was responsible for her husband's murder.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“They did not protect him as they should have protected him, the state was in charge of Fernando's security, the state is directly responsible for the murder of my husband&nbsp;Fernando Villavicencio. The state still has to give many answers about everything that happened, his personal guards did not do their job, I do not want to think that they sold my husband to be murdered in this infamous way,” Sarauz told reporters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She also expressed disappointment over the decision of the Construye to name Andrea Gonzalez as the presidential candidate.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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With just a week left for the August 20 election in Ecuador, the running mate of slain candidate Fernando Villavicencio will run for president in his place, the Construye party said on Saturday (August 12).

With just a week left for the August 20 election in Ecuador, the running mate of slain candidate Fernando Villavicencio will run for president in his place, the Construye party said on Saturday (August 12). "The movement will replace the presidential ticket by putting Andrea Gonzalez as president," the party said in a statement. Gonzalez, 36, is due to participate in a presidential debate in Quito on Sunday. Gonzalez was the vice-presidential running mate for Villavicencio. According to a report by the news agency AFP, her work has been focused on environmental advocacy, particularly concerning oceans and mangroves, as well as combatting wildlife trafficking and deforestation. Villavicencio’s Build party, or Construye in Spanish, announced on social media that Andrea González was replacing the 59-year-old as its presidential candidate in the 20 August vote. The Construye party statement also said that the name of the vice presidential candidate would be announced shortly, adding the candidate would be chosen among the most trusted of those who shared the struggles of Villavicencio. Six Colombians arrested for Villavicencio's assassination Six Colombians have so far been arrested and another killed over the assassination of Villaviencio. They have been charged with murder and the investigation continues. Last week, Villavicencio, a journalist, and a prominent anti-corruption crusader, was gunned down as he left a campaign rally in the capital city of Quito. He had been receiving threats from Los Choneros, one of the country's most powerful drug gangs. On Thursday, Ecuador declared a state of emergency for two months. According to Interior Minister Juan Zapata, the assailants belonged to "organized crime groups," without specifying which ones. Current President Guillermo Lasso said the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) accepted Ecuador's request for help, with a delegation arriving soon. Govt responsible for Villavicencio's murder: Widow Veronica Sarauz, the widow of Villavicencio, said on Saturday that the government was responsible for her husband's murder. “They did not protect him as they should have protected him, the state was in charge of Fernando's security, the state is directly responsible for the murder of my husband Fernando Villavicencio. The state still has to give many answers about everything that happened, his personal guards did not do their job, I do not want to think that they sold my husband to be murdered in this infamous way,” Sarauz told reporters. She also expressed disappointment over the decision of the Construye to name Andrea Gonzalez as the presidential candidate. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ecuador poll: Running mate of slain candidate Fernando Villavicencio to run for president

<p>Ecuadorian presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio was shot dead after a rally in the capital Quito City on Wednesday evening (Aug 9), local media reported, citing Interior Minister Juan Zapata.</p>

<p>A member of his campaign team told local media that a man came forward when&nbsp;Villavicencio was about to get into his car and shot him in the head.</p>

<p>Villavicencio, a 59-year-old journalist, was one of eight candidates in the August 20 presidential&nbsp;election.&nbsp;The death was confirmed on social media by current president Guillermo Lasso.</p>

<p>Videos circulating on social media purportedly showed Villavicencio&nbsp;surrounded by his guards walking towards his car&nbsp;and as he gets inside, gunshots can be heard.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="es">Quedó grabado el Momento exacto en que matan a Fernando Villavicencio!! <a href="https://t.co/7kpqUzwzQ4">pic.twitter.com/7kpqUzwzQ4</a></p>
— Emergencias Ec (@EmergenciasEc) <a href="https://twitter.com/EmergenciasEc/status/1689431449777123329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>"For his memory and his fight, I assure you that this crime will not remain unpunished," Lasso said on the social media platform X.</p>

<p>"Organized crimes have gone very far, but all the weight of the law will fall on them (sic)," he said, adding that he has called on top security officials for an urgent meeting.</p>

<p>Last month, Lasso had declared a state&nbsp;of emergency and night curfews in three provinces following a number of killings linked to organised crime.</p>

<p>The former lawmaker had been polling at 7.5 per cent voting intention.</p>

<p>For days, Villavicencio had been receiving threats and he even acknowledged it last week, saying that he&nbsp;and his team had been threatened by the leader of a gang linked to drug trafficking.</p>

<p>Villavicencio's campaign had focused on security, tackling corruption, a topic he had covered in an earlier career as a journalist, and reducing environmental destruction.</p>

<p>The presidential election is scheduled to take place on August 20.&nbsp;</p>

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Ecuadorian presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio was shot dead after a rally in the capital Quito City on Wednesday evening (Aug 9), local media reported, citing Interior Minister Juan Zapata.

Ecuadorian presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio was shot dead after a rally in the capital Quito City on Wednesday evening (Aug 9), local media reported, citing Interior Minister Juan Zapata. A member of his campaign team told local media that a man came forward when Villavicencio was about to get into his car and shot him in the head. Villavicencio, a 59-year-old journalist, was one of eight candidates in the August 20 presidential election. The death was confirmed on social media by current president Guillermo Lasso. Videos circulating on social media purportedly showed Villavicencio surrounded by his guards walking towards his car and as he gets inside, gunshots can be heard. Trigger warning. Viewer discretion is advised Quedó grabado el Momento exacto en que matan a Fernando Villavicencio!! pic.twitter.com/7kpqUzwzQ4 — Emergencias Ec (@EmergenciasEc) August 10, 2023 × "For his memory and his fight, I assure you that this crime will not remain unpunished," Lasso said on the social media platform X. "Organized crimes have gone very far, but all the weight of the law will fall on them (sic)," he said, adding that he has called on top security officials for an urgent meeting. Last month, Lasso had declared a state of emergency and night curfews in three provinces following a number of killings linked to organised crime. The former lawmaker had been polling at 7.5 per cent voting intention. For days, Villavicencio had been receiving threats and he even acknowledged it last week, saying that he and his team had been threatened by the leader of a gang linked to drug trafficking. Villavicencio's campaign had focused on security, tackling corruption, a topic he had covered in an earlier career as a journalist, and reducing environmental destruction. The presidential election is scheduled to take place on August 20. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Ecuadoran presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio shot dead after rally

<p>A left-wing economist and Ecuador's presidential candidate Andres Arauz, on Sunday conceded defeat to conservative former banker Guillermo Lasso following Ecuador's presidential election run-off.</p>

<p>"I congratulate him on his electoral triumph today and I will show him our democratic convictions," said Arauz, who is best known as the protege of former president Rafael Correa.</p>

<p>Arauz, the protege of former president Rafael Correa, had earlier claimed victory citing an exit poll that he said gave him a 1.6 per cent advantage.</p>

<p>Earlier, television stations Ecuavisa and Teleamazonas published the results of the Cedatos exit poll that gave Lasso almost a 6.5 percentage point lead over Arauz.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Conservative former banker Guillermo Lasso has declared himself Ecuador's president-elect and accepted the "challenge" of changing Ecuador's "destiny," with the South American country gripped by an economic crisis aggravated by the Covid-19 pandemic.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A left-wing economist and Ecuador's presidential candidate Andres Arauz, on Sunday conceded defeat to conservative former banker Guillermo Lasso following Ecuador's presidential election run-off.

A left-wing economist and Ecuador's presidential candidate Andres Arauz, on Sunday conceded defeat to conservative former banker Guillermo Lasso following Ecuador's presidential election run-off. "I congratulate him on his electoral triumph today and I will show him our democratic convictions," said Arauz, who is best known as the protege of former president Rafael Correa. Arauz, the protege of former president Rafael Correa, had earlier claimed victory citing an exit poll that he said gave him a 1.6 per cent advantage. Earlier, television stations Ecuavisa and Teleamazonas published the results of the Cedatos exit poll that gave Lasso almost a 6.5 percentage point lead over Arauz. Meanwhile, Conservative former banker Guillermo Lasso has declared himself Ecuador's president-elect and accepted the "challenge" of changing Ecuador's "destiny," with the South American country gripped by an economic crisis aggravated by the Covid-19 pandemic. (With inputs from agencies)