Ecuador’s recent elections have been marked by transparency and professionalism, leading to a second electoral round amid challenges such as public distrust and disinformation. The EU Election Observation Mission noted successful preparations alongside persistent issues needing attention in campaign finance and media regulation. Further observations and a conclusive report will follow the second election round.
Ecuador has recently conducted a transparent and peaceful election, leading to a second round of voting amidst ongoing challenges. The Consejo Nacional Electoral (CNE) received compliments for executing the electoral process with transparency and professionalism, allowing for a swift vote count and results announcement while addressing prior concerns of potential disruptions. However, public confidence in the electoral administration remains low despite these efforts.
The electoral preparations adhered to the predetermined schedule, which included updating the voter register and deploying an electronic results management system designed to enhance security and transparency. Although basic rights such as assembly, expression, and press freedom were upheld during the election, the atmosphere was marked by insecurity in certain regions, yet political violence throughout the campaign was limited.
Nacho Sánchez Amor, who led the European Parliament Delegation observing the elections, commented on the process, stating its execution was commendable despite existing insecurity and institutional challenges. While the electoral balance was largely positive, the EU Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) identified various areas that need improvement, such as concerns regarding President Noboa’s absence during the campaign and accusations of bias among electoral authorities. Disinformation campaigns regarding electoral fraud were prevalent, further complicating the situation.
Moreover, the EU EOM pointed out the inadequacies of social media regulations related to political advertising and underscored the necessity for greater oversight of campaign financing practices. This preliminary report reflects ongoing observations, noting critical phases remain, including the final tabulation of results and addressing petitions. The mission plans to monitor the upcoming second round of the Presidential Election and will issue a conclusive report with a thorough analysis post-election.
The EU EOM arrived in Ecuador on December 28, 2024, after receiving an invitation from the CNE and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The mission deployed a total of 106 observers from 25 EU member states, as well as Norway and Canada, aimed at assessing compliance with international democratic standards and Ecuador’s electoral laws. On February 9, the delegation observed 480 polling stations across 23 provinces to ensure the integrity of the election process, asserting its independence based on the UN’s international election observation principles.
In summary, the recent elections in Ecuador showcased an overall transparent process despite notable challenges, including public distrust and accusations of bias. The EU EOM’s preliminary assessment highlights both successful aspects and areas needing reform, particularly related to electoral integrity, social media regulation, and campaign finance oversight. Continued observation and final reporting will provide further insights into the electoral process and recommendations for enhancing future elections.
Original Source: www.eeas.europa.eu
