Ecuadorian political landscape and election shifts

Ahead of the 2026 sectional elections, political alliances in Ecuador are undergoing significant shifts. In Pichincha, the Revolución Ciudadana (RC), Unidad Popular (UP), and Partido Socialista Ecuatoriano (PSE) have formed a coalition to support candidates such as Alexandro Tonello and the reelection of Pabel Muñoz. In Guayas, the RC and PSE have coordinated to register several candidates, including Sofía Espín and Fiorella Ycaza.

Analysts characterize these alliances as “strictly conjunctural,” noting that historically opposing forces are uniting to oppose the administration of Daniel Noboa and ensure political survival.

These shifts have caused internal friction within the Pachakutik movement following decisions to allow figures from the Correismo movement to run for provincial office. Additionally, concerns have emerged regarding digital influence and election integrity, specifically involving allegations that the media platform La Derecha Diario has utilized “digital machinery,” such as bot farms, to manipulate public perception in favor of the Noboa administration.