Ecuador Votes 2006

This Monday Emma is coming back to Ecuador.... Oh and also, Ecuador will hold their elections.

These elections are especially important since in the last decade Ecuador has had 7 presidents, many never completing their terms. It has been interesting learning about it because the process is quite different from our own in Canada. I will give you an overview of what I understand.

Ecuador is DRY

And I'm not talking about the geography, its actually quite wet here now. Raining, raining every day. What I mean is that starting today (Friday) the entire country is dry. Yes, dry. Meaning no alcohol can be sold nor consumed in public. This will continue I assume until Tuesday.


Voting

The voting process here is really interesting. First, everyone MUST vote. If you don't then you will be subjected to a fine. Apparenly here it is only $6 or something, compared to the $80 fine in Peru. However, should you not like any of the candidates you have other options than to simply not vote. For example, I have met several people (mostly students) who say they are going to vote null. This means on their voting card they are going to vote for everyone, thus nullifying their vote. That is one option. If, on the contrary, you are simply indifferent to the candidates then you can leave your voting card blank - an "I'm with the majority" vote. This means, if I understand correctly, all blank votes are awarded to the candidate who already has the majority of votes. Also, when voting here, its not a representative system like we have in Canada where you vote for a candidate in your area. From what I see on TV you can actually vote for every part of the government. You can select the President and the counsellors... I think.

Election Process

Different from Canada, but alike most of South America, a second round runoff election will be held in November if no candidate wins more than half the vote or at least 40 percent with a 10-percent advantage over the nearest challenger.

The Candidates

Here are my thoughts the main Presidential candidates:

(1) Name: Alvaro Noboa
Party: Institutional Renewal Party of National Action (PRIAN)
Age: 55
Hometown: Guayaquil
Education: He's a lawyer and as a youth went to a private school in Switzerland.
IQ: Well, let's just say that his success might be from a combination of luck and inheritance.
Now this is an interesting man. Basically, he owns Ecuador. Apparently he owns some 15 banana plantations, chocolate and coffee businesses, four shipping companies, one bank, two insurance companies, an airline, a magazine, and more. In 2002 he claimed to be the owner of over 100 companies based all over the world. He ran for president in 1998 and again in 2002.
Popular opinion: A lot of people think he could make a good president based on his success in the business world. Also, due to his immense wealth he may be less tempted to dip his hands in the National bank account.



(2) Name: Rafael Correa
Party: Movimiento Allianza Pais
Age: 43
Hometown: Guayaquil
Eduacation: PhD in Economics from the University of Illinois
Languages: English, French, and learning Quechua, indigenous language.
Political Stance: Radical, looking for the Socialism of the 21st century.
Campaign slogan : "Dale Correa". Translation: "Giv'er Correa", or in Meaford "Get'er done Correa!"
I think Correa is a pretty popular guy. In 2005, he acted as the country's Minister of Economy and Finances. There is graffiti all over the city thanking him for his promenent role in kicking the abusive oil company OXY out of Ecuador. Correa lost this job after he suggested the funnelling of foreign debt payments to instead fund urgent social programs. His idea was not well received by the international financial bodies, but apparently he still upholds it today. Obviously, he's not very favourable internationally, he has said that if he is elected, he will stop making debt payments if there is a substantial drop in oil prices, a main source of income for Ecuador. I'm putting my money on Correa.




(3) Name: Cynthia Viteri
Party: Right of centre, Social Christian Party
Presumed age: 29; True age: 40
Hometown: Guayaquil
Hair: Bleached blonde
Years in Politics: 9
Not sure what to think about gal like Cynthia. Cynthia, oh Cynthia. Well, she had a career in TV, reporting news and producing. Then she started to pursue politics. She was the first female vicepresident of the National Congress in 2005. She has also been a member or president of several different commissions. She enthusiastic and seems to be very confident and driven as the only female in the race. Goooo Cynthia!





(4) Name: Leon Roldos
Party: Ethical and Democratic Network (RED)
Age: 63
Hometown: Quito. Haha, no no... just kidding. Yeah, he's from Guayaquil. Tricked ya! Gotta stay on your toes!
Years in Politics: 27
Do I know anything about him?: Nope. He has grey hair. That's all. He's not going to win.

Actually, I've just learned that he is a former Vice-president and has a decent chance or winning. Well, what do I know!


Poll as of the beginning of October

Rafael Correa (AP) 25.5%
León Roldós (RED) 19.2%
Álvaro Noboa (PRIAN) 11.6%
Cynthia Viteri (PSC) 7.6%