Tragic Incident in Ecuador’s Presidential Election

Ecuadorean presidential candidate and former lawmaker Fernando Villavicencio was tragically killed during a campaign event in Quito. President Guillermo Lasso expressed his condolences and promised that justice will be served.

President Lasso Vows to Bring the Culprits to Justice

President Lasso, addressing the nation on X (formerly known as Twitter), assured the public that this crime will not go unpunished. He stated that organized crime has gone too far, but the full force of the law will be brought upon them. Lasso also announced an urgent meeting with top security officials to address the situation.

Shocking Footage Circulates on Social Media

Videos shared on social media captured the chaos and panic at the campaign event, with attendees taking cover and screaming as gunshots were heard.

Villavicencio’s Political Standing and Background

According to opinion polls, Villavicencio’s support as a presidential candidate was at 7.5%, ranking him fifth out of eight candidates for the upcoming August 20 vote. Hailing from the Andean province of Chimborazo, he was a former union member at state oil company Petroecuador and later became a journalist known for exposing alleged millions in oil contract losses.

A History of Controversy and Opposition

Villavicencio had been an outspoken critic of former President Rafael Correa and even faced an 18-month prison sentence for defamation over statements made against Correa. Seeking refuge within Indigenous territory in Ecuador, he was eventually granted asylum in Peru. As a legislator, Villavicencio faced criticism from opposition politicians for obstructing an impeachment process against Lasso earlier this year, which led to the decision to hold early elections.

Condolences from Fellow Presidential Candidate

Jan Topic, another candidate in the presidential race, expressed his condolences and reiterated the urgent need to take strong action against crime.