Ecuador’s vice-president, Verónica Abad, has accused the country’s president – her former running mate Daniel Noboa – of “violating the democratic code” by using the state apparatus to gain an advantage over the other candidates in the country’s runoff election.In Sunday’s vote, therightwing incumbent defeatedthe leftist Luisa González by a considerable margin after narrowly beating her in the first round.Although Abad said she did not support the opposition’s claim that electoral fraud occurred during the vote, she argued that the election was unfair because Noboa refused to step down from office while running – as required by the constitution.Abad and Noboa used to be allies when they ran together in the2023 snap electionfor an 18-month interim term, but she was not part of the current president’s re-election ticket.They stopped speaking even before taking office, and she claims the president has since then taken successive steps to sideline her – actions she describes as “gender-based political violence”.Abad said she still did not know the reason for the sudden rupture, after which Noboa immediatelysent her to Israel to serve as a “peace envoy”.“I’m the mother of a minor and another son who is in university, and I had to make my move in just seven days to ‘avoid the escalation’ of the conflict between Israel and Palestine – a war that wasn’t ours. It was completely illogical,” she said.He later appointed herchargé d’affaires in Turkey.Abad claims that Noboa’s main goal was to prevent her from assuming the presidency during this year’s campaign.Despite Noboa’s refusal to step down, Ecuador’s electoral authorities allowed the election to go ahead.After atight first roundin which he edged out González by fewer than 17,000 votes, Noboa won the runoff by nearly 1.2 million – a result that no opinion poll had predicted.González has called for a recount, but observers sent by the European Union and the Organization of American States said that, although there was an “imbalance” and “conditions of inequity” between the candidates, there was no indication of fraud.Shortly before the second round, however, Noboa announced$560m (£423m) in bonuses and social aid packagesfor seven different population groups, including police and military personnel, farmers, and young people aged 18 to 29.“Noboa designed a system of cash transfers – a clientelist policy tactically aimed at the social and electoral segments where he needed to mobilise votes,” said Luis C Córdova-Alarcón, a political violence researcher and professor at the Central University of Ecuador. “That’s how you can begin to understand where that one million-vote lead came from,” he said.Córdova-Alarcón said there were two other contributing factors in Noboa’s victory.The first was the lingering memory of the 10-year presidency of Rafael Correa – González’s political mentor – a period marked by social advances thanks to a commodity boom, but also bycorruptionand accusations of creeping authoritarianism.The second was the fact that what was once one of the safest countries in Latin America has, in recent years, recorded the region’s highest homicide rate – a crisis that Noboa’s declared “war on drugs” in January 2024 has failed to resolve.Noboa’sdisregard for the constitutionand thenumerous human rights violationscommitted by hismano dura(iron fist) offensive earned the president mounting accusations of authoritarianism.Córdova-Alarcón said the outlook was only likely to worsen. “Given the context in which this election has taken place, Noboa has no incentives to change,” he said.Abad said that although she still fears for her life due to her public disputes with Noboa, she hoped that he “has learned to listen and can fulfil his promises because the problems haven’t gone: we still face sky-high insecurity, a struggling economy, and widespread poverty”.In March, the electoral court suspended her political rights for allegedly committing “gender-based political violence” against Noboa’s foreign minister, Gabriela Sommerfeld, by accusing her of persecution. Meanwhile, Abad’s complaints against Noboahave gone nowhere.Noboa’s campaign did not respond to a request for comment, but at a campaign event in late March, the president referred to Abad as “a traitor who’s already been dismissed”.Officially, she remains Ecuador’s vice-president until 24 May, when Noboa begins his new term with businesswoman María José Pinto as his second-in-command.“Until 24 May and beyond, I will continue to fight for my rights because, in the end, it sets a precedent for those women who will occupy this position,” said Abad.
Ecuador’s VP accuses president of ‘violating democracy’ in election win
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Ecuador's Vice President Accuses President Noboa of Undermining Democracy in Election"
The Guardian
7.3
TruthLens AI Summary
Ecuador's Vice President, Verónica Abad, has publicly accused President Daniel Noboa, her former running mate, of undermining democratic principles during the recent runoff election. Abad claims that Noboa utilized state resources to secure an unfair advantage against his opponent, leftist candidate Luisa González. While she does not endorse the opposition's allegations of electoral fraud, Abad argues that the election was compromised due to Noboa's refusal to resign from his presidential post while campaigning, a violation of the constitution. Their alliance, formed during the 2023 snap election aimed at filling an 18-month interim term, has since deteriorated, with Abad alleging that Noboa has taken measures to marginalize her, which she characterizes as “gender-based political violence.” This rift was exacerbated when Noboa unexpectedly appointed her as a peace envoy to Israel, a decision she found illogical given her familial responsibilities and the geopolitical context of the region.
Despite the controversial circumstances surrounding his election campaign, Noboa emerged victorious in the runoff, defeating González by a significant margin of nearly 1.2 million votes. Prior to the election, Noboa announced a substantial financial package aimed at various demographic groups, a strategy described by political analysts as clientelist and aimed at mobilizing votes. Although international observers noted an imbalance in the electoral conditions, they found no evidence of fraud. The political landscape in Ecuador is further complicated by the legacy of Rafael Correa’s presidency, which still influences public sentiment, as well as rising insecurity and a high homicide rate that has plagued the nation. Abad, who faces political challenges of her own, including a suspension of her political rights, remains committed to advocating for her position and addressing the pressing issues facing Ecuador, such as economic struggles and widespread poverty, as she prepares to leave office on May 24, 2024.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The situation in Ecuador presents a complex political dynamic, with Vice President Verónica Abad accusing President Daniel Noboa of undermining democratic norms during the recent runoff election. The allegations center on Noboa’s refusal to step down while campaigning, a move Abad claims gave him an unfair advantage. This rift between former allies highlights deeper tensions, including accusations of gender-based political violence and strategic sidelining.
Political Context and Allegations
Abad’s criticism focuses on Noboa’s use of state resources and his refusal to adhere to constitutional requirements for candidates. While she stops short of alleging outright fraud, her claims of an uneven playing field raise questions about institutional integrity. The fact that Noboa’s victory margin expanded dramatically from the first round to the runoff—despite no polls predicting such a shift—adds fuel to suspicions of impropriety, though international observers have not confirmed systemic fraud.
Gender and Power Dynamics
Abad frames her marginalization as “gender-based political violence,” citing her abrupt reassignment to diplomatic roles in Israel and Turkey as evidence of efforts to neutralize her influence. Her narrative resonates with broader regional debates about women’s political participation and the weaponization of bureaucratic tools against female leaders.
International and Domestic Implications
The opposition’s call for a recount, though unlikely to overturn results, could prolong political instability. The EU and OAS observers’ tepid endorsement of the process (“although there was an…”) leaves room for interpretation, potentially emboldening critics. Domestically, Noboa’s tactics may deepen polarization, while internationally, the episode risks staining Ecuador’s democratic reputation.
Economic and Market Considerations
Political uncertainty could deter foreign investment, particularly in Ecuador’s volatile sectors like energy and mining. Markets may react cautiously to signs of institutional weakness, though the impact will depend on whether protests or legal challenges escalate.
Manipulation and Media Narrative
The article’s framing emphasizes discord within the ruling camp, potentially to divert attention from other governance issues or economic challenges. The focus on gender dynamics may appeal to progressive audiences, while the election integrity angle could galvanize opposition supporters. The lack of concrete evidence for fraud, however, tempers the sensationalism.
AI and Bias Potential
If AI tools were used in crafting this report, their influence might appear in the selective emphasis on Abad’s grievances or the juxtaposition of her claims with Noboa’s unproven advantages. Models trained on Western democratic ideals could amplify the “democracy undermined” narrative, while downplaying contextual factors like regional political norms.
Trustworthiness Assessment
The report is moderately credible, relying on direct quotes from Abad and acknowledging the absence of fraud evidence. However, its reliance on her perspective without equal weight given to Noboa’s response introduces bias. The EU/OAS observers’ incomplete statement (cut off in the text) leaves critical context unresolved.