Fernando Villavicencio
Progressive Luisa González and millionaire Daniel Noboa head to run off elections in Ecuador

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 escalation of violence in Ecuador shines a light on country’s broader crisis

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

Security and economy are the key issues in Ecuador’s early general elections

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

Ecuadorian presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio assassinated following campaign rally

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