Rafael Correa denounces political persecution in Ecuador

Former Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa has denounced the current state of the country as a “dictatorship,” citing an escalation of political and judicial persecution against his movement ahead of the November 2026 sectional elections. Correa specifically highlighted the proscription of the Revolución Ciudadana movement and the alleged manipulation of other political groups to prevent opposition candidates from participating.

A key point of contention involves the exclusion of Luisa González from running for prefect in Manabí province. Correa characterized the disqualification as being based on “infantile arguments” and has called on citizens in Manabí to cast null votes in protest. He also noted that the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (CIDH) recently called on the Ecuadorian state to ensure electoral processes allow for plural and equal participation.

Parallel to these specific allegations, Ecuador faces broader systemic questions regarding political fragmentation. The country currently manages approximately 235 national and local political organizations, raising debates over whether this diversity strengthens democracy or creates an ineffective system where many groups serve as mere electoral vehicles rather than stable political structures.