Ecuador Elections: Transparency and Challenges Ahead of Second Round

The recent Ecuadorian elections were marked by transparency and professionalism, supported by the Consejo Nacional Electoral (CNE). While essential freedoms were respected and political violence was limited, public trust in the electoral process remains low. Challenges including misinformation and the president’s potential bias require attention as the second round approaches. The EU Election Observation Mission noted these issues and is committed to ongoing monitoring.

The recent elections were conducted with transparency and professionalism, as confirmed by the support received from the Consejo Nacional Electoral (CNE). The swift counting of votes and the transparent publication of results helped alleviate concerns regarding potential issues. However, trust in the electoral administration remains low despite these efforts.

Electoral preparations adhered to the planned calendar, including updates to the voter registry. The CNE’s use of an electronic results management system exemplified best practices for transparency and security. Nonetheless, public confidence in the electoral process is still not fully established.

During the election, fundamental freedoms such as assembly, expression, and press were upheld. Although some regions faced insecurity, instances of political violence during the campaign were notably limited. Nacho Sánchez Amor from the European Parliament noted, “Despite being conducted in a context of insecurity, institutional fragility, polarization, and crisis, the electoral process was carried out with remarkable normality.”

While the electoral outcome was generally positive, certain challenges remain. Controversy arose from President Noboa’s choice not to take a leave of absence during the campaign, leading to claims of bias against electoral officials. Additionally, there was a proliferation of misinformation and accusations of fraud towards the campaign’s conclusion, highlighting a need for improved social media regulations and oversight in campaign financing.

This preliminary report is offered before finalizing the electoral process, as significant phases, including result tabulation and the adjudication of petitions, are still ongoing. The EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) will monitor the forthcoming second round of the Presidential Election. After the process concludes, a comprehensive final report will be published, which will entail full analysis and potential reform recommendations.

The EU EOM arrived in Ecuador on December 28, 2024, following a formal invitation from the CNE and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The mission included 106 observers from 25 EU Member States, along with representatives from Norway and Canada, tasked with evaluating the electoral events in line with international democratic obligations. They oversaw activities in 480 polling stations across 23 provinces. It is essential to recognize that the EU EOM operates independently, following the principles established by the United Nations for international election observation.

The recent elections in Ecuador demonstrated a significant commitment to transparency and professionalism by the electoral authorities, even amid challenges such as public mistrust and misinformation. The European Parliament Delegation commended the process, recognizing the difficulties inherent in the political context. Nonetheless, critical areas require attention and reform to ensure greater trust and oversight in future elections.

Original Source: www.eeas.europa.eu