10-8-2023 (QUITO) Fernando Villavicencio, a prominent Ecuadoran presidential candidate, was tragically shot dead shortly after concluding a campaign rally in the city of Quito on Wednesday evening, sending shockwaves across the nation. The incident prompted President Guillermo Lasso to denounce the act as an outcome of “organized crime” and pledge relentless efforts to apprehend and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The 59-year-old centrist candidate was participating in the lead-up to the country’s eagerly anticipated presidential election scheduled for August 20. Villavicencio’s assassination occurred as he was leaving a stadium in the northern part of Quito, where he had just concluded a campaign event, according to official reports.
SHOCKING VIDEO: Ecuador presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio, who was leading in the polls, has just been assassinated two weeks before an election the 59-year-old was expected to win. Journalists were referring to him as “right-wing” candidate!pic.twitter.com/69wFzCK4DK
— Simon Ateba (@simonateba) August 10, 2023
The tragic event has been met with widespread condemnation, with President Lasso expressing his deep dismay over the loss. In a statement on X (formerly known as Twitter), Lasso expressed his outrage, saying, “Outraged and shocked by the assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio. For his memory and his fight, I assure you that this crime will not go unpunished.”
Local news outlet El Universo reported that Villavicencio was killed “hitman-style and with three shots to the head.” The disturbing nature of the assassination has raised concerns about the security and safety of political candidates in the country.
Fernando Villavicencio, a former journalist and parliament member, was a significant contender in the presidential race, ranking second in the latest polls with approximately 13% voter support. His candidacy resonated with a substantial portion of the population, positioning him as a key player in Ecuador’s political landscape.
This tragic incident sheds light on the ongoing challenges that Ecuador faces, including violence linked to drug trafficking. In recent years, the country has experienced a surge in such incidents, leading to the untimely deaths of several political figures, including a mayor and a parliamentary candidate.
As Ecuador grapples with this unfortunate loss, President Lasso has taken decisive action. He summoned top security officials for an urgent meeting to address the dire situation and convey a strong message against organized crime. “Organized crime has gone too far, but the full weight of the law will be applied to them,” Lasso stated in his address.
The nation’s electoral process has not been without its own challenges. Diana Atamaint, the president of the National Electoral Council (CNE), revealed earlier on Wednesday that several members of her organization, responsible for supervising the election, had received death threats. This revelation further underscores the complex dynamics surrounding the upcoming presidential election.
Urgente!!
Fue asesinado dentro de la Fiscalia de Quito el sicario qué mató a Fernando Villavicencio! pic.twitter.com/a7HcOuKv33— Emergencias Ec (@EmergenciasEc) August 10, 2023
