CONAIE, a key Indigenous organization in Ecuador, along with leftist groups, has expressed they will not support President Daniel Noboa in the April run-off and have requested responses from candidate Luisa Gonzalez regarding their proposals. The Indigenous vote appears divided, with some supporting Noboa. The proposals include halting privatizations, reducing sales tax, and opposing agreements with the IMF.
In Ecuador, the prominent Indigenous organization CONAIE, alongside leftist social groups, has declared that it will not endorse incumbent President Daniel Noboa for the upcoming April run-off. Instead, they have formally requested that leftist candidate Luisa Gonzalez respond to a set of proposals they have presented.
The Indigenous electorate appears fragmented, as some factions indicate their support for Noboa. He narrowly defeated Gonzalez, a former protégé of ex-President Rafael Correa, by less than 1% in the initial February round. This slim victory suggests that CONAIE leader Leonidas Iza, who received 5.25% of the vote, may wield considerable influence in the final decision.
While CONAIE has openly criticized Noboa’s policies regarding security and economic management, certain Indigenous and social groups remain supportive of his presidency as he completes the term of his predecessor. The proposals submitted to Gonzalez include calls for halting privatizations and large-scale mining ventures, as well as discontinuing Noboa’s aggressive stance on crime.
Additionally, the organizations seek a rollback of the sales tax increased from 12% to 15% to finance security measures, and they oppose Ecuador’s agreement with the International Monetary Fund. In contrast, the CONFENIAE, representing Amazonian Indigenous groups and part of CONAIE, has expressed its willingness to support Noboa, contingent upon establishing a dialogue concerning Amazonian policies.
Former candidate Andrea Gonzalez’s party, which secured 2.69% of the vote, has also pledged its backing for Noboa, further complicating the Indigenous voting landscape ahead of the impending run-off.
The Ecuadorian political landscape is increasingly dynamic as major Indigenous organizations evaluation their support ahead of the presidential run-off. CONAIE’s shift away from supporting incumbent President Noboa, seen as a reflection of dissatisfaction with his policies, challenges his position despite other groups’ ongoing support. The outcome will likely hinge on responses to various significant proposals from the Indigenous community, potentially reshaping policy direction in Ecuador.
Original Source: www.thestar.com.my
