Violence increases significantly in Ecuador during the electoral period

Published at: 26/02/2025 11:23 AM

The Citizen Observatory on Political Violence (OCVP), in Ecuador, reported that violence reigns in the country through attacks, threats and discrimination; a total of 56 attacks, including 25 murders, 19 threats, 8 attacks and 3 kidnappings (from January 2024 to February 2025), were considered in the preliminary report of the 2025 elections.

The Observatory reported that the Citizens' Revolution was the political organization most affected in this regard, with a 25 percent incidence. The text refers to a greater impact on political and opinion leaders, as well as male public officials in Guayas, Manabí and Pichincha constitute the provinces with the highest number of attacks on physical integrity and life.

Likewise, the OCVP has emphasized that the current general elections have been more violent (with 25 more cases of aggression) than those recorded during 2023, when the presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio was assassinated. Hence, a new record of violence can be reported in 2025.

The facts have a negative impact on voice capacity, political autonomy, freedom of expression, decision-making and transparency. In turn, it causes self-censorship and weakens democratic institutions and the citizen's decision to get involved in matters of public interest.

Despite the fact that the Executive has implemented security plans, violence has not diminished in Ecuador. Constantin Groll, representative of the OCVP, detailed the existence of 11 states of emergency and a declaration of internal armed conflict (in force until today) during the observation period.

Mazo News Team