In Ecuador’s Cochapamba, an Indigenous community is preparing to vote in a presidential runoff between Daniel Noboa and Luisa González, neither of whom campaigned in the area. Community members are expressing distrust of both candidates, particularly in light of past political experiences. Residents await guidance from Indigenous leaders on which candidate to support as feelings of disenchantment with political promises loom large.
In the Ecuadorian highlands, the Indigenous community of Cochapamba confronts a significant political dilemma as they prepare for the presidential runoff election on April 13. The two candidates, President Daniel Noboa and leftist attorney Luisa González, have not campaigned in Cochapamba, which raises concerns among the residents who rely heavily on Indigenous leader Leonidas Iza for representation. Iza placed third in the initial ballot, garnering over half a million votes.
Cochapamba, situated at an altitude exceeding 3,600 meters, is home to around 6,000 Indigenous individuals who primarily cultivate white onions. The community communicates in both Kichwa and Spanish, signifying their rich cultural heritage. Despite the lack of physical campaign presence, the upcoming runoff remains critical for the community, with their votes expected to influence election outcomes significantly.
During the recent voting, community members showed dedication, traversing for hours to participate in the democratic process. While the detailed voting breakdown has yet to be released, preliminary results indicate that in Cotopaxi province, 37.6% supported Noboa and 29.3% favored Iza, while González obtained 27.7%. Notably, 72% of Cochapamba previously endorsed Noboa despite his lack of direct interaction with the community.
Fernando Perdomo, a local governance member, expressed sentiments of betrayal regarding Noboa, stating, “We thought (Noboa) was a young man who was really going to make a difference, but up to this point, at least for me, he has lied.” González’s candidacy invites skepticism among locals due to her association with former President Rafael Correa, who harbored a reputation for authoritarianism and corruption.
As residents await guidance from the Indigenous confederation leadership regarding their support, a prevailing sense of distrust permeates Cochapamba. Gloria Llugsha, a local mother, articulated her disillusionment, saying, “I would be deeply disappointed if all the candidates’ promises were forgotten.” This sentiment reflects a broader frustration within the community regarding political accountability and representation.
The Indigenous community of Cochapamba in Ecuador faces a complex decision as it navigates the upcoming presidential runoff election. With candidates Daniel Noboa and Luisa González lacking trust among residents, the community is grappling with feelings of betrayal and disappointment. As they await further direction from Indigenous leadership, the future support for either candidate remains uncertain, highlighting the ongoing struggle for genuine political representation within the community.
Original Source: www.local10.com
