Manabí prefecture race narrows as incumbent stays neutral and mayor backs new candidate

Incumbent Prefect Leonardo Orlando confirmed he will leave office in May 2027 and declined to endorse any candidate for the Manabí prefecture, including Luisa González. He said he will return to academic and professional activities after his term and left open the possibility of future political participation.

Separately, Chone Mayor Leonardo Rodríguez announced he is withdrawing from the prefecture race and is endorsing university rector Marco Tulio Zambrano, who will run under the Acción Democrática Nacional (ADN) banner. Rodríguez said the decision follows talks with President Daniel Noboa and aims to unify the province’s political agenda ahead of the 2027 elections. The moves reshape the local electoral alliances in Manabí.