Fernando Villavicencio, a prominent Ecuadorian presidential candidate renowned for his unwavering stance against corruption and organized crime, was tragically killed during a campaign event in the capital city of Quito. The incident unfolded as reports indicated that approximately 30 shots were fired, with chilling videos circulating on social media capturing the heart-wrenching moment when Villavicencio entered a car, only for the scene to be shattered by the sound of gunfire.
The details surrounding the incident remain somewhat obscure, as both Ecuador’s police and the Interior Ministry are yet to provide an official account of the circumstances. However, the attorney general’s office did confirm that a suspect linked to the crime was fatally injured during a subsequent shootout. The violence left a somber trail of destruction, resulting in injuries to nine individuals, including a candidate for the legislature and two valiant police officers.
President Guillermo Lasso responded to the tragedy with resolute determination, vowing to hold the perpetrators accountable. Denouncing the far-reaching grip of organized crime, he asserted that the full might of the law would be harnessed to ensure justice prevails. Lasso attributed the rising tide of violence, both in the streets and within prison walls, to the fierce battle among criminal factions vying for supremacy in drug trafficking routes. In his commitment to address this menace, Lasso announced plans to convene a high-level meeting with top security officials.
As Ecuador braces for the upcoming presidential election, slated for August 20, critical issues including security concerns, employment, and migration have taken center stage. Villavicencio, a candidate who championed the fight against corruption and the reduction of tax evasion, ranked fifth among the eight contenders in recent opinion polls, garnering support of approximately 7.5%. His party, Movimiento Construye, faced an attack on its Quito offices, sparking discussions about the feasibility of suspending campaigning due to escalating political violence.
Villavicencio’s journey was marked by activism, having previously taken on former President Rafael Correa’s administration as a unionist and journalist. His vehement critique of alleged oil contract losses led to a legal battle, resulting in an 18-month prison sentence for defamation against Correa. Fleeing to Indigenous territory within Ecuador, he later secured asylum in Peru.
In the aftermath of this devastating loss, late-night marches reverberated across various cities as Ecuadorians united to condemn the heinous act. Fellow candidates expressed shock and solidarity, with opposition contender Luisa Gonzalez vehemently denouncing the incident and underlining the imperative nature of justice. Indigenous candidate Yaku Perez temporarily suspended his campaign, making an impassioned plea to halt the cycle of violence. Perez later advocated for a security pact among candidates to address the alarming situation.
With grief-stricken hearts, multiple contenders voiced the urgent need for resolute action against crime as Ecuador grapples with the indelible impact of this profound tragedy.