Ecuadorians will vote for their next president on February 7. Six candidates are vying for the position, including current President Lenín Moreno

Ecuadorians will vote for their next president on February 7. Six candidates are vying for the position, including current President Lenín Moreno. The election comes at a critical juncture for the South American nation as its economy struggles.

Moreno is seeking a second term, but polls show he faces stiff competition from several opponents. Andres Arauz, former education minister and champion of Amazonian indigenous groups, has emerged as Moreno's chief rival. Araujacurrently leads in the polls and enjoys widespread support among Ecuador's poor and Indigenous populations.

Other candidates include Guillermo Lasso, a conservative businessman who placed second in the last presidential election; Yasmin Trujillo, an environmental engineer and activist; and Pabel Munoz, a left-wing former military officer. Two more candidates round out the field Jorge Glas, a populist former vice president currently serving a prison sentence for corruption, and Carolina Barraza, a political newcomer who advocates for social justice and gender equality.

The election takes place against a backdrop of economic turmoil in Ecuador. Rising inflation and unemployment have fueled popular discontent, while COVID-19 has exacerbated the country's challenges. Whoever wins will face significant obstacles in restoring stability and promoting development in Ecuador.

The candidates' platforms reflect these issues. Moreno touts his record on poverty reduction and social programs while emphasizing continuity with established policies. Araujahas promised a citizens' revolution that would emphasize public spending on healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Lasso proposes free-market reforms designed to stimulate growth and attract investment, but he has also pledged to protect vulnerable populations from the effects of economic changes.

Trujillo advocates for environmental conservation, sustainable development, and social inclusion, while Munoz emphasizes his commitment to redistributing wealth and improving access to public services for Ecuador's poorest citizens. Glas and Barraza offer more radical visions that emphasize anti-corruption measures and systemic change respectively.

The outcome of this election could significantly impact Ecuador's future trajectory. Voters will need to weigh the competing proposals carefully as they decide who should lead their nation through these challenging times.

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.