Ecuador’s Democracy Under Threat: Assassination of Political Candidate Highlights Vulnerability
The recent assassination of Fernando Villavicencio, a renowned journalist and former legislator, has exposed the fragility of Ecuador’s democracy. This South American nation, with a population of over 17 million, is facing escalating violence, corruption, and the infiltration of drug cartels. The killing of Villavicencio on August 9 has left Ecuadorians living in fear, reluctant to even leave their homes.
The targeted killing of a political candidate underscores the challenges facing Ecuador’s democracy. Villavicencio was not an ordinary candidate; he was a prominent journalist known for uncovering corruption in previous governments, including the regime of former President Rafael Correa. As a legislator, Villavicencio played a pivotal role in exposing graft in Correa’s dealings with China and Venezuela.
Ecuador, already grappling with a weakened economy due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is witnessing an increase in violence, extortion, and kidnappings. The situation has reached a critical point, with the loss of faith among many of its citizens. This erosion of trust has been further fueled by the recent political assassinations. On August 14, another local organizer in Ecuador’s Esmeraldas province, affiliated with the political movement led by ex-President Correa, was also murdered.
The plight facing Ecuador is indicative of a larger issue in Latin America, where political instability threatens countries such as Guatemala and Peru, and where autocratic regimes are emerging. Nations like Nicaragua, Cuba, and Venezuela are already on a slippery slope towards authoritarianism.
The vulnerability of Ecuador’s democracy has been exposed at a crucial time, as the country is currently holding presidential elections. Amid economic turmoil and intense political polarization, President Guillermo Lasso made the decision to dissolve the National Assembly and call for a snap election. Villavicencio, although not favored to win the presidency, was vying for the second spot in a runoff that would have taken place in October if no candidate secured a majority of votes.
Ecuador’s struggle against drug cartels and mounting violence highlights the inadequacy of its security forces and a corrupt justice system. While criminals run rampant, Ecuadorian politicians seem more preoccupied with partisan vendettas than addressing the pressing issue of crime.
Ecuador’s Independence Day, which took place on August 10, was overshadowed by grief and sorrow. In his final speech at a political rally in the capital city of Quito, Villavicencio, aware of the threats he faced, somberly stated: This democracy has cost us our life. His words now serve as a grim reminder of the state of Ecuador’s democracy.
The developments in Ecuador serve as a wake-up call not just for the nation itself but for the international community as well. The impact of a destabilized Ecuador can be felt beyond its borders, especially in neighboring countries. With thousands of encounters between US federal agents and Ecuadorians at the southern border, stemming from the havoc in Latin America, it is crucial for the United States to address the root causes of migration and assist in restoring stability.
Ecuador’s struggle reflects the dangers posed by corruption, weak institutions, and autocratic leadership. Democratic systems are not lost overnight; rather, they slowly deteriorate under the weight of these factors. It is imperative for Ecuador and its international partners to take action and safeguard the democratic principles that are under threat. Failure to do so risks further turmoil and the perpetuation of violence in this vulnerable nation.
In these challenging times, Ecuadorians strive for a democracy that prioritizes security, justice, and prosperity. The assassination of Fernando Villavicencio serves as a painful reminder of the daunting road ahead.
