Ecuador’s CONAIE Indigenous organization and leftist groups have declined to support Daniel Noboa in the upcoming presidential run-off, seeking responses to their proposals from candidate Luisa Gonzalez. Key issues include halting privatizations, mining projects, and tax adjustments. The Indigenous vote remains divided, with some backing Noboa, while others favor Gonzalez based on important proposals.
In a significant political development, the Ecuadorian Indigenous organization CONAIE and various leftist social groups have declared their refusal to support the incumbent president Daniel Noboa in the upcoming April run-off. Instead, they have directed their attention towards leftist candidate Luisa Gonzalez, requesting her response to a series of proposals aimed at addressing the concerns of indigenous communities.
The Indigenous vote in Ecuador appears to be fragmented, with certain factions indicating they may support Noboa. Recently, Noboa, a business heir aged 37, secured a narrow victory over Gonzalez—who is affiliated with former President Rafael Correa—by less than 1% in February’s initial round.
The slim margin of victory has positioned CONAIE leader Leonidas Iza, who garnered 5.25% of the votes, in a pivotal role, granting him potential influence over the outcome of the second round. While CONAIE has openly critiqued Noboa’s approaches to security and economic issues, several other Indigenous and social organizations have chosen to endorse him for a complete presidential term.
Among the various proposals presented to Gonzalez are calls to cease all privatizations and large-scale mining activities. Additionally, they demand the retraction of Noboa’s policies regarding crime and a reduction in sales tax from the current 15% back down to 12%, alongside a rejection of Ecuador’s agreement with the International Monetary Fund.
Conversely, the CONFENIAE—an Indigenous confederation from Ecuador’s Amazon region and a member of CONAIE—has expressed its intention to support Noboa, provided that there is an opportunity for dialogue regarding Amazonian policies. Further complicating the political landscape, a party represented by former candidate Andrea Gonzalez, who finished fourth in February with 2.69% support, has also decided to back Noboa.
The political climate in Ecuador is shifting as key Indigenous organizations and social groups navigate their alliances ahead of the presidential run-off. With proposals aimed at addressing significant social and economic issues presented to Luisa Gonzalez, the upcoming election could hinge on the responses of candidates to the demands of these influential groups. Despite some factions supporting Noboa, the division within the Indigenous vote indicates a complex electoral landscape.
Original Source: gazette.com
