Ecuador’s Indigenous Organization Challenges Leftist Candidate Gonzalez Ahead of Run-off Election

Ecuador’s CONAIE and leftist groups will not support incumbent Daniel Noboa, urging rival Luisa Gonzalez to respond to key proposals, including halting privatizations and lowering sales tax. The Indigenous vote is divided, with some still backing Noboa, whose narrow victory margin could impact the second round of elections.

Ecuador’s major Indigenous organization, CONAIE, alongside various leftist social organizations, has declared its intention not to support incumbent president Daniel Noboa in the upcoming April run-off. Instead, they are urging leftist candidate Luisa Gonzalez to address a series of proposals they have outlined. The Indigenous vote in Ecuador appears fragmented, as some factions still support Noboa.

Daniel Noboa, a 37-year-old businessman, narrowly defeated Luisa Gonzalez, a protégé of former President Rafael Correa, by less than 1% in the February first round of elections. This close result positions Leonidas Iza, leader of CONAIE and a former candidate who received 5.25% of the votes, as a potentially influential figure in determining the outcome of the second round.

Despite CONAIE’s criticisms of Noboa’s policies on security and economic matters, some Indigenous groups and social organizations remain supportive of him, seeking a full term as he completes his predecessor’s mandate. CONAIE and its affiliates have proposed key policies for Gonzalez, including: halting privatizations and large-scale mining projects, ending the current government’s aggressive stance against crime, lowering sales tax from 15% back to 12%, and opposing Ecuador’s agreement with the International Monetary Fund.

In contrast, CONFENIAE, an Indigenous confederation from Ecuador’s Amazon that is affiliated with CONAIE, has expressed support for Noboa while requesting discussions about policies affecting the Amazon region. Additionally, a political party represented by former candidate Andrea Gonzalez, who garnered 2.69% of the February vote, has also committed to backing Noboa.

In summary, CONAIE and several Indigenous organizations are challenging Luisa Gonzalez to respond to their proposals, while signaling their decision not to support the incumbent president, Daniel Noboa. The Indigenous electorate is divided, with some factions favoring Noboa despite criticisms of his policies. Key proposals include halting privatization efforts, lowering sales tax, and addressing the impacts of large-scale mining and security measures. As the election approaches, the stance of Indigenous groups may significantly influence the final outcome.

Original Source: www.thestar.com.my