Leftist leads Ecuadorian presidential election despite an increase in violence

Luisa Gonzalez, a left-wing person, is winning in Ecuador’s presidential election. The election has been affected by the murder of one of the candidates.

With almost 80% of the votes counted, electoral officials report that she has 33% of the votes, while her main competitor Daniel Noboa, who is a businessman, has 24% of the votes.

The two best candidates will now have another competition on 15 October.

The poll and referendum were held together, and people voted to stop drilling for oil in the Amazon.

The decision, which was agreed by almost 60% of the people who voted, means that the government-owned oil company will have to end its activities in a specific area of Yasuní National Park. This park is known for its rich variety of plant and animal life and is one of the most important places for biodiversity in the world.

The place has many different kinds of birds, amphibians, and reptiles. It is also where indigenous people like the Tagaeri and Taromenani live, and they choose to live away from others.

The result is a big setback for the former President Guillermo Lasso, who believed that money from oil drilling was very important for Ecuador’s economy.

The Waorani indigenous people are participating in a group of travelers who are advocating for a “yes” vote in a referendum that aims to prevent oil drilling.


The Waorani tribe is against drilling for oil in the Yasuni reserve.

About 100,000 police officers and soldiers were sent to protect the first round of voting on Sunday.

The snap election happened because Mr. Lasso, who used to work in banking and is politically conservative, dissolved parliament to prevent his own removal from office.

The voting on Sunday was calm, which made the people of Ecuador relieved because they were scared of the political violence happening in the country.

But, before the vote, there were a few times when someone used a gun and hurt people.

The new president will start working on 26 October and will be in power for only 18 months, which is the remaining time of Mr. Lasso’s term

Ms Gonzalez, who is 45 years old and a supporter of leftist ex-President Rafael Correa, was seen as the most likely winner among the eight politicians running for president.

But when candidate Fernando Villavicencio was killed on 9 August in the capital city, Quito, it became hard to know who would win the election.

Ms Gonzalez has promised to bring back helpful government programs that support people in Ecuador. This is very appealing to Ecuadoreans who have been struggling with a difficult economic situation.

Many voters view Daniel Noboa as a candidate who supports and promotes business interests.

But, people who vote have different political beliefs.

Mr Correa is still a powerful figure in the country. He reduced poverty when he was in charge, but he was involved in corruption scandals and had to leave the country. He is currently living in exile in Belgium.

People who want to stop his influence in Ecuador will support candidate Daniel Noboa, who is 35 years old and supports businesses.

The only thing that brings Ecuadoreans together is their desire for peace and safety. Everyone wants a calm and peaceful campaign before the run-off.

Mr Villavicencio was a journalist who spoke out about corruption and exposed connections between organized crime and government officials. He was 59 years old.

Six men were arrested for being involved in his killing, and all of them are from Colombia.
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Fernando Villavicencio got shot when he was leaving a gathering in Quito.