Still, even voters who reject Correa’s legacy may be more likely to vote for Gonzalez because of disillusionment with the status quo.
President Novore faces criticism of human rights abuse and faces overreach in his time in office. Some even say he flashed an authoritarian streak like Correa.
Voting is mandatory in Ecuador, and voters expressed dissatisfaction in the polls in the first round of this year’s presidential election. Null and Blank votes accounted for nearly 9% of the total votes. This is a sign of deep voter dissatisfaction.
Political consultant Jacobo Garcia believes this segment of voters may lean towards Gonzalez not because of her campaign but because of growing frustration with Noboa.
“What balances it,” he said, “I’m not in Gonzalez’s support, but it’s the perception that Novoa’s campaign has lost steam and has made a serious mistake.”
Indigenous leaders who once clashed with Correa also support Gonzalez for similar reasons.
“The alternative is even worse,” said Gomez, a Kitu Kala activist. “This is to protect our territory and livelihoods from governments that have shown they are ignoring Indigenous rights.”
In late March, Ecuadorian Indigenous Nationals (CONAIE), the country’s largest indigenous organization, also signed an agreement with Gonzalez.
She supported her on the condition that Konaie felt she was a responder and embraced a 25-point platform that included pledging to abolish the orders of the Novoa era.
“We are not in the campaign and are calling for action on Indigenous rights, environmental justice and the end of criminal advocates,” Gomez said.
She emphasized that the decision follows months of internal consultations across Indigenous communities.
“We chose who we wanted to face. If she wins, the demand is clear and the response is mobilised.”
But Avila, a professor at Cuenca University, said such alliances are key to the government that, if elected, could be formed by the government Gonzalez. Now, Ecuador’s fiscal crisis and divided parliament could hamper her agenda.
“The campaign is built on hope, but governance requires coalition,” Avila said. “The real challenge begins the day after the election.”
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