CONAIE and leftist groups will not support Daniel Noboa in April elections; they seek responses from Luisa Gonzalez on proposals including halting privatizations and lowering sales tax. The Indigenous vote is divided, with some supporting Noboa, while others advocate for Gonzalez. Key issues include Amazon policies and Nobel’s security measures.
On Wednesday, the prominent Ecuadorian Indigenous organization CONAIE, along with various leftist social groups, declared that they will not support the incumbent president Daniel Noboa in the upcoming April run-off elections. Instead, they are petitioning leftist candidate Luisa Gonzalez to address a list of proposals. The Indigenous voting base seems divided, with some factions indicating support for Noboa.
Daniel Noboa, a 37-year-old businessman, narrowly defeated Luisa Gonzalez, a follower of former President Rafael Correa, by less than 1% in the initial February voting round. Due to this slim margin, Leonidas Iza, CONAIE leader and former candidate, who garnered 5.25% of the vote, may wield significant influence in determining the ultimate winner in the second round.
Though CONAIE has criticized Noboa’s strategies regarding security and economic policies, certain Indigenous and social organizations have chosen to support him as he seeks a full term in office, completing his predecessor’s agenda. Proposals set forth to Gonzalez include a cessation of privatization initiatives and large-scale mining ventures, alongside an end to Noboa’s aggressive stance against crime.
Additionally, the organizations are requesting the reduction of the sales tax back to 12% from the elevated rate of 15%, instituted by Noboa to finance security enhancements, as well as opposing Ecuador’s agreement with the International Monetary Fund. In contrast, the CONFENIAE, an Indigenous federation from Ecuador’s Amazon, has expressed its support for Noboa while demanding constructive dialogue regarding policies affecting the Amazon region.
Lastly, the political party led by former candidate Andrea Gonzalez, who placed fourth in the February election with 2.69% of the votes, has also announced its support for Noboa.
The Ecuadorian Indigenous organization CONAIE, alongside leftist groups, has opted against supporting President Noboa in the upcoming elections, seeking a response from candidate Luisa Gonzalez on multiple proposals. The Indigenous vote is fragmented, with some factions backing Noboa while others advocate for Gonzalez. Key proposals emphasize halting privatizations, lowering sales tax, and reevaluating international agreements. Discussions on Amazon policies remain crucial in the broader electoral landscape.
Original Source: gazette.com
