Ecuador’s recent elections were noted for transparency and professionalism, leading to a second round amidst unresolved challenges. Although the electoral process was well-managed, public trust remains low. Issues such as disinformation and campaign financing oversight have been identified as significant concerns. The EU EOM is set to monitor the second round and provide recommendations after the election process concludes.
The recent elections in Ecuador were characterized by transparency and professionalism, leading to the announcement of a second round due to unresolved challenges. According to officials, the National Electoral Council (CNE) effectively managed the electoral process with a commitment to transparency, swiftly counting votes and publishing results, ultimately alleviating fears of possible disruptions.
Despite these positive aspects, public trust in the election administration remained low. The electoral preparations adhered closely to the established schedule, including updates to the voter registry. The CNE implemented an electronic results management system that adhered to exemplary transparency and security standards.
During the elections, civil liberties such as freedom of assembly and expression were upheld, even amidst regional insecurity. Political violence during the campaign was notably reduced, contributing to a more peaceful atmosphere overall.
Nacho Sánchez Amor, the head of the European Parliament Delegation, asserted that the elections were executed with commendable normalcy despite the existing context of insecurity and institutional fragility.
Nevertheless, the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) identified lingering challenges. Controversy surrounded President Noboa’s choice to continue without leave during his campaign, raising concerns about potential bias in electoral oversight. The campaign was also marred by widespread disinformation, particularly allegations of fraud, as the campaign period progressed.
The EU EOM pointed out that while traditional and digital media have strict rules regarding political advertisements, social media platforms remain inadequately regulated. Additionally, there is a pressing need for enhanced oversight regarding campaign financing to ensure transparency and accountability.
This preliminary statement is delivered prior to the completion of the electoral process, reflecting ongoing observations. Significant tasks, such as the official results tabulation and adjudicating petitions, are still pending. The EU EOM intends to monitor the upcoming second round of the Presidential Election, with a detailed final report to follow, encompassing comprehensive analysis and recommendations for electoral improvements.
The EU EOM was established in Ecuador on December 28, 2024, following an official request from the CNE and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The mission deployed a considerable number of observers from various EU Member States, Norway, and Canada to ensure adherence to international standards pertaining to democratic elections. On February 9, the EU EOM monitored activities across 480 polling stations in 23 provinces, with a delegation from the European Parliament endorsing the findings. The mission’s independence is maintained in its evaluations, aligning with the principles of international election observation endorsed by the United Nations in October 2005.
In conclusion, the recent Ecuadorian elections exhibited a commitment to transparency, yet faced challenges regarding public trust and misinformation. While civil liberties were largely respected, the electoral process was overshadowed by allegations of bias and disinformation. The upcoming second round remains under observation by the EU EOM, which intends to issue a comprehensive final report with recommendations for reform following the elections.
Original Source: www.eeas.europa.eu
