Ecuadorian intellectuals denounce threats to democracy

Ecuador democracy REDH-EC Daniel Noboa political persecution electoral integrity

The Ecuadorian chapter of the Network of Intellectuals and Artists in Defense of Humanity (REDH-EC) has issued a formal denunciation regarding threats to democracy and a lack of guarantees for the upcoming sectional elections on November 29.

The collective accused President Daniel Noboa’s administration of utilizing state institutions to persecute and exclude political opponents. Specifically, the group alleged that the Attorney General's Office, the National Electoral Council (CNE), and various intelligence and financial units have been used to initiate investigations aimed at disqualifying adversaries.

Examples cited by the network include the detention of Guayaquil Mayor Aquiles Álvarez and political restrictions faced by mayors in Cuenca and Esmeraldas. The group also highlighted obstacles regarding the candidacy of Luisa González for the Manabí Prefecture and challenges faced by Quito Mayor Pabel Muñoz in his pursuit of reelection.