Ecuador’s recent elections were largely transparent, with the CNE managing the process effectively despite low public trust. Freedoms of assembly and expression were respected, while political violence remained limited. Nonetheless, challenges persist, including accusations of bias against the electoral authorities and disinformation about the elections. A thorough assessment will continue into the second round of voting.
The recent elections in Ecuador proceeded with a focus on transparency and professionalism, as affirmed by the cooperation from the Consejo Nacional Electoral (CNE). The swift counting and publicizing of results helped allay concerns regarding potential election issues. Nevertheless, public trust in the electoral administration remains inadequate, indicating areas for improvement in the electoral process.
The CNE ensured that constitutional freedoms of assembly, expression, and press were upheld throughout the election. Despite prevailing insecurity in certain regions, the campaign was characterized by a limited level of political violence. Nacho Sánchez Amor, head of the European Parliament Delegation, emphasized the structured approach to the electoral process, noting its successful execution under various challenges.
However, there are several ongoing challenges that demand attention, including public criticisms surrounding President Noboa’s campaign conduct. This situation raised questions regarding the impartiality of electoral authorities. Moreover, rampant disinformation, especially around alleged electoral fraud, complicated the campaign environment. Strict regulations exist for traditional media advertising, yet social media regulation necessitates improvement.
This preliminary assessment is subject to the completion of the electoral process, which includes critical phases such as the official results tabulation and resolution of petitions. The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) intends to monitor the forthcoming second round of the Presidential Election and will issue a final comprehensive report post-election.
In conclusion, the Ecuadorian elections demonstrated a commitment to transparency and respect for fundamental freedoms, despite several challenges, including public mistrust and misinformation. The observed electoral process, although noteworthy, requires ongoing scrutiny and reform to enhance public confidence and ensure fairness. The EU EOM’s comprehensive evaluation will provide essential recommendations moving forward.
Original Source: www.eeas.europa.eu
