Ecuadorian Elections: Transparency and Challenges Ahead of Second Round
The recent Ecuadorian elections showcased transparency, leading to a second round of voting with notable challenges. While the CNE was praised for its efficiency, public trust remains an issue. Freedoms of assembly and press were maintained despite underlying insecurity, while misinformation and campaign finance oversight require attention. The EU EOM plans to observe the upcoming second round and will publish a final report with recommendations following the elections.
The recent elections have demonstrated a transparent and peaceful process, leading to a necessary second round amidst ongoing challenges. The National Electoral Council (CNE) was commended for its professionalism and adherence to a transparent electoral process. They executed vote counting and result announcements efficiently, alleviating concerns regarding potential irregularities. Nonetheless, public faith in the electoral administration remains low.
Electoral preparations were conducted as outlined in the electoral calendar, including the essential maintenance of the voter registry. The CNE implemented an electronic results management system that aligns with best practices in transparency and security. Despite this, the overall public trust in the electoral body continues to be an issue.
During the election, the fundamental freedoms of assembly, expression, and the press were upheld, even amidst the country’s insecurity. While political violence was limited, a sense of fragility and polarization remains evident, impacting the electoral atmosphere. Nacho Sánchez Amor, leading the European Parliament Delegation, remarked on the election’s execution amid these challenges, highlighting its relatively normal conduct.
Although the overall assessment of the electoral process is positive, several challenges persist. Notably, President Noboa’s decision not to take a leave of absence during the campaign drew criticism, as did accusations of bias directed towards voting bodies. Furthermore, rampant misinformation, particularly regarding potential fraud, has raised concerns, alongside the inadequacy of social media regulations concerning political advertising.
This preliminary statement reflects the observations made thus far, as several critical stages of the electoral process remain, including official result tabulation and appeals. The European Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) plans to observe the forthcoming second round of voting, with a comprehensive final report to be released post-elections, analyzing the situation and proposing potential electoral reforms.
The EU EOM arrived in Ecuador on December 28, 2024, following an invitation from the National Electoral Council and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. With 106 observers from 25 EU Member States, Norway, and Canada, the mission assesses the electoral process against international democratic standards and Ecuador’s laws. The EU EOM operates independently, adhering to principles established by the United Nations for international election observation.
In summary, while the recent elections in Ecuador exhibited transparency and professionalism from the CNE, public trust in the electoral administration remains low. The electoral process was generally conducted without significant violence, but challenges such as misinformation and lack of regulation in political advertising persist. The EU EOM will continue to monitor the unfolding events and will provide further recommendations for electoral reforms after the second round of voting.
Original Source: www.eeas.europa.eu
