After presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio was shot and killed during a campaign event, chaos erupted in Ecuador, leading to the establishment of a state of emergency.

Villavicencio, a well-known opponent of organized crime and corruption, was attacked by assailants in a violent episode that is part of the country’s growing wave of violence linked to drug trafficking.

Rising Assassinations and Violence

Ecuador’s presidential race was marred by tragedy when Fernando Villavicencio, an outspoken critic of corruption and organised crime, was assassinated at a campaign rally in the capital, Quito.

The incident marked a new level of violence in the country, believed to be linked to drug trafficking.

The nation has witnessed an alarming increase in violent incidents recently, largely attributed to drug traffickers.

Ecuador presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio (EFE/José Jácome)

Villavicencio’s murder intensified concerns over the rampant criminal activity, which has affected both the streets and prison systems. The violence adds a layer of complexity to the already pivotal presidential contest.

Local reports detailed the attack on Villavicencio’s campaign rally, with around 30 gunshots fired. It added that the moment Villavicencio entered a vehicle after the event, it was followed by the sounds of gunfire and panic.

Government’s Perspective and Declaring State of Emergency

President Lasso deemed the assassination a “political crime” with “terrorism” characteristics, hinting at an attempt to disrupt the electoral process.

“This is a political crime, which has the character of terrorism, and we do not doubt that this murder is an attempt to sabotage the electoral process,” Lasso said.

A national state of emergency was announced, with the military being mobilized to ensure security. Despite the tragedy, plans for the upcoming presidential election on August 20 remain unchanged.

Preliminary Investigations and Consequences

The attorney general’s office revealed that one suspect connected to the assassination later died in a shootout, while the violence injured nine others, including a legislative candidate and two police officers.

Authorities conducted raids in Quito, resulting in the arrest of six individuals allegedly linked to the crime.

Villavicencio’s Legacy and Campaign Pledge

Fernando Villavicencio’s advocacy against corruption and tax evasion was a central tenet of his campaign. Despite his dedication, opinion polls positioned him as the fifth-most supported candidate out of eight.

Ecuador presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio (Facebook: Fernando Villavicencio)
His party, Movimiento Construye, disclosed that armed men attacked their Quito offices in a separate incident, sparking discussions about suspending campaigning due to the escalating political violence.

Candidates React to Tragedy

Presidential candidates across the spectrum expressed their sorrow and shock over Villavicencio’s assassination. Some candidates, including Luisa Gonzalez and Indigenous candidate Yaku Perez, called for unity in the face of adversity.

However, others like Otto Sonnenholzner urged the government to take immediate and robust measures against crime.

As the country navigates through grief and political instability, the future of the upcoming presidential election hangs in the balance. The need for security, unity, and effective measures to combat crime has never been more urgent.