Quito and Guayaquil face shifting digital trends and declining citizen satisfaction

Digital analysis and citizen surveys reveal shifting sentiments in Ecuador's major cities. A Deep Search study using the Talkwalker platform analyzed digital trends regarding mayoral figures in Quito and Guayaquil. In Quito, Pabel Muñoz led in visibility with 42.6% of mentions, though 73.6% of the conversation was negative. Wilson Merino saw high interaction levels, while Harold Burbano maintained the most positive sentiment. In Guayaquil, Cynthia Viteri dominated the digital conversation, accounting for 63.7% of the analyzed results.

Separately, the Quito Cómo Vamos Quality of Life Report indicates a decline in resident sentiment. In 2026, pride in living in Quito fell to 77.4% from 82% in 2025, and satisfaction dropped to 68.3% from 80%. Only 32.2% of citizens believe the city is moving in the right direction, a significant decrease from 51% the previous year. The report also highlights demographic shifts, noting that Quito is an aging city with an average age of 34 and the lowest birth rate in the Pichincha province.