On April 13, a runoff presidential election between the incumbent Daniel Noboa and the progressive candidate Luisa Gonzalez was held in Ecuador. Leading up to the election, a very tight race was expected and conditions pointed to a likely victory by Gonzalez. However, on election day, Noboa was declared the winner with a lead of more than 11%. Clearing the FOG speaks with Pedro Labayen Herrera, who is a researcher at the Center for Economic and Policy Research where he focuses on Ecuador. Labayen was present for the elections. He reports on the scandals just before the election, violations of the Constitution by Noboa and what happened on election day. He also describes the deterioration of conditions within Ecuador and the challenges ahead.
Listen here:
Review us on iTunes! Click here … Then click on “View in iTunes … Then click “Ratings and Reviews.”Guest:
Pedro Labayen Herrera is a researcher at the Center for Economic and Policy Research in Washington, DC. Pedro’s research at CEPR centers on the Latin American region (with a particular focus on Ecuador), foreign policy, and the impact of economic sanctions. Pedro holds a Master’s in International Governance and Diplomacy, with a concentration in human rights, from the Paris School of International Affairs, Sciences Po, and a BA in International and Global Studies from the University of Central Florida. Prior to working at CEPR, Pedro was an intern at the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in Washington, DC, where he provided protection assistance to refugees and asylum seekers across the United States.