Ecuador’s recent election was marked by transparency and professionalism, with prompt publication of results by the CNE. Fundamental freedoms were respected, and political violence was limited despite security concerns. The EU EOM noted challenges such as public distrust, misinformation, and the need for enhanced regulations in political advertising and campaign financing. Critical stages of the electoral process remain to be observed, with a final report and recommendations to follow.
The recent electoral event in Ecuador proceeded with transparency and professionalism, aided by the Consejo Nacional Electoral (CNE). The results were published promptly, addressing concerns regarding potential discrepancies. The electoral preparations adhered to the established calendar, including updates to the voter register, while the CNE’s results management system demonstrated best practices in transparency and security, though public confidence in election administration remains tepid.
Throughout the electoral process, fundamental freedoms, including assembly, expression, and press, were upheld. Despite localized insecurity, political violence was notably restrained during the campaign. Nacho Sánchez Amor, head of the European Parliament Delegation, remarked on the electoral process’s orderly execution amid circumstances marked by insecurity and institutional challenges.
Although the overall assessment was favorable, the EU Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) highlighted several persistent concerns. Controversy arose regarding President Noboa’s choice not to take a leave of absence, igniting claims of bias against electoral authorities. Furthermore, misinformation proliferated, particularly claims of fraud as the campaign drew to a close, as regulations on political advertisements fell short, especially on social media platforms.
This preliminary statement outlines observations made thus far, prior to the completion of the electoral process. Remaining stages include the official results tabulation and handling of petitions. The EU EOM will also be present for the second round of the Presidential Election, and a final report detailing analyses and suggestions for potential electoral reforms will be issued upon process completion.
In summary, Ecuador’s election exhibited significant transparency despite security challenges and ongoing concerns regarding public trust in electoral governance. The EU EOM’s assessment recognizes the need for additional transparency regarding campaign financing and regulation of political discourse, especially in the digital realm. The mission will remain engaged to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of the electoral process, providing an opportunity for future reforms. The event underlined the critical importance of maintaining electoral integrity and fostering public confidence to strengthen democratic processes.
Original Source: www.eeas.europa.eu
