Despite promises of greater security, the Ecuadorian government has not found a way to curb organized crime, which is extending its tentacles to other activities, such as illegal mining.

The two will face off on April 13, in a context of deep social, economic, and political crisis in the Andean country

The report also suggests that there could be signs of torture. The relatives of the murdered children have requested an expansion of the autopsy as the trial against 16 military personnel moves forward.

Daniel Noboa and González starred in a heated debate in which accusations prevailed. The presidential runoff will be held on April 13.

Leftist lawyer Luisa González and businessman Daniel Noboa outlined their government plans, debating on the matters of economy, security, social policies and political issues

González is the winner of the first round of presidential elections in Ecuador. She said that with the complaint, she not only intends to safeguard her life and shed light on the plan aimed at physically eliminating her, but also draw attention to the impunity in the country

González of the left-wing Citizens Revolution Movement won the first round with 33.31% of the votes, while Noboa of the right-wing National Democratic Action Alliance secured 23.66% of the votes

The early elections in the Andean country are taking place in a context of increased violence against political candidates and in society generally

All seven presidential candidates advocated strengthening of the security in the country and promised improvements as they stood next to fellow hopeful Fernando Villavicencio’s empty podium, who was assassinated last week

The former member of Ecuador’s National Assembly Villavicencio had previously denounced receiving threats from members of criminal groups

The attack, which occurred just two months before the early general elections, has been condemned by various leaders of the Citizens’ Revolution Movement party, whose presidential ticket with Luisa González and Andrés Arauz is leading voter intention polls

As Ecuador prepares for early general elections, we look at the presidential candidates who will replace Guillermo Lasso