By Ramya Kannan
In the elections following a rule which hinted at continuity in the South American country for the first time, the ruling alliance of Ecuador barely missed the golden chance to directly form a government. With eight candidates and a host of issues such as the economic downturn and corruption scandals to take care of, the winning candidate required 40 percent of the votes and a difference of 10 percentage points over the nearest opponent to avoid a runoff election. Lenin Moreno, the candidate nominated by President Rafael Correa led Alianza PAIS, garnered 39.21 percent of the 95.6 percent votes counted. He was closely followed by rightwing candidate Guillermo Lasso, who got 28.34 percent of the votes.
In a quick succession of events, the ruling alliance appeared ready to form the government after just one round of elections when the electoral council declared that the result would be declared after three more days. Suspicious of malpractices, especially since this was the first time the results were not revealed on the same night, supporters of the opposition protested against the delay and demanded more transparency in the counting process. The government responded by condemning the protesters for inciting violence. While Moreno emerged as the winner in the first round, the electoral council clearly stated that a second round would take place.
Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa (L) has been in power since 2007 | Photo Courtesy: El UniversoLegacy of the Left
[su_pullquote align=”right”]Lenin Moreno promises to tackle poverty and undertake active steps to empower people with disabilities, single mothers and the elderly.[/su_pullquote]
There seems to be a stark distinction between the demographic supporting the frontrunners. While a large section of the population seems to vehemently demand a change of regime in keeping with the Right-leaning atmosphere in South America, the poor express allegiance to the ruling Alianza PAIS or Country Alliance. Lenin Moreno promises to tackle poverty and undertake active steps to empower people with disabilities, single mothers and the elderly. However, recent corruption scandals involving his running mate Jorge Glas and the authoritarian style adopted by his electoral predecessor President Correa hamper his chances of popular support.
[su_pullquote]Following unstable political conditions marked by the quick removal of three Presidents, President Rafael Correas 10-year tenure was unusual.[/su_pullquote]
Following unstable political conditions marked by the quick removal of three Presidents between 1996 and 2006, President Rafael Correas 10-year tenure was unusual. While many people found his authoritative style problematic, Correa managed to usher in considerable stability when the country was reeling under economic crisis due to falling oil revenues, inflation and adoption of US dollar. He also succeeded in significantly reducing inequalities within the nation through the introduction of far-sighted social welfare and poverty reduction schemes.
A report by Centre for Economic and Policy Research states that since Correas accession, the poverty rate declined by 38 percent and extreme poverty rate by 47 percent. While this can be attributed to the rise in economic growth and employment opportunities, government programs also played a major role. The share in GDP of the cash transfer program Bono de Desarollo Humano almost doubled. Moreover, a 48 percent real increase in minimum wages between 2007 and 2016 highlighted a drastic reduction in income inequality. This was supplemented by increased social spending by the government on education, health, urban development and housing. Provision of scholarship for higher education, waiver of tuition fee, affirmative action programs for Afro-Ecuadorian and indigenous students, and improving the quality of education in universities was also attempted in a bid to push human capital formation.
The government expenditure on health services also increased substantially, with a significant increase in availability of hospital beds and number of patients being treated in government hospitals. Correa also ensured that the infrastructure of the nation, especially roads and highways, were sufficiently developed.
Correa received slack for his confrontational approach towards implementation of policies.
During his rule, corruption charges against state-run oil company Petroecuador and Brazilian company Odebrecht emerged, and many were forced to give up their jobs due to falling oil revenues.
Next in line
The next president will be compelled to take strict measures in order to create more jobs, reduce corruption, and tackle the problem of falling exports because of the rising value of US dollar. Whether it will be Lasso, who promises to cut taxes and encourage foreign investment but is considered elitist by many, or Moreno who vows to pursue the pro-poor policies to reduce inequalities amid allegations of being a puppet, remains to be seen.