Ecuador's Vice-President, Verónica Abad, has accused President Daniel Noboa of exploiting state resources to unfairly favor his campaign during the recent runoff election. Noboa, a right-wing leader, secured a significant victory over leftist candidate Luisa González in Sunday's vote, following a narrow lead in the first round. Abad stated that while she does not believe electoral fraud occurred, Noboa's refusal to step down from his position while campaigning, as stipulated by the constitution, created an uneven playing field. Abad and Noboa were initially allies in the 2023 snap election, which sought to fill an 18-month interim term. However, Abad was not included in Noboa's re-election bid. According to Abad, their relationship deteriorated before they even assumed office, and the president has since taken steps to marginalize her, which she characterizes as "gender-based political violence." Abad claims she is unsure why the relationship soured. She says that Noboa promptly dispatched her to Israel as a "peace envoy." Later, he appointed her as chargé d’affaires in Turkey. Abad alleges that Noboa's primary objective was to prevent her from potentially assuming the presidency during the campaign. Despite the concerns raised, Ecuador's electoral authorities proceeded with the election, even though Noboa did not step down. Following a close first round, where Noboa edged out González by fewer than 17,000 votes, he won the runoff by nearly 1.2 million votes, a result that polls had not anticipated. González has requested a recount. Observers from the European Union and the Organization of American States acknowledged an "imbalance" and "conditions of inequity" between the candidates but found no evidence of fraud. Shortly before the second round, Noboa announced $560 million in bonuses and social aid packages for various groups, including police, military personnel, farmers, and young adults. Luis C Córdova-Alarcón, a political violence researcher and professor at the Central University of Ecuador, suggested that Noboa strategically used cash transfers to mobilize votes in key social and electoral segments. Córdova-Alarcón also pointed to the legacy of Rafael Correa's presidency, marked by both social progress and allegations of corruption and authoritarianism, as well as the country's high homicide rate, as contributing factors in Noboa's victory. Critics have accused Noboa of authoritarianism, citing his disregard for the constitution and human rights violations during his "war on drugs." Córdova-Alarcón anticipates that the situation is likely to worsen, given the context of the election. Abad expressed concerns for her safety due to her public disagreements with Noboa. She hopes that he will address the country's pressing issues, including insecurity, economic struggles, and poverty. In March, the electoral court suspended Abad's political rights for allegedly committing "gender-based political violence" against Noboa's foreign minister. Meanwhile, Abad's complaints against Noboa have been unsuccessful. Noboa's campaign did not respond to requests for comment. However, in late March, the president referred to Abad as "a traitor who's already been dismissed." Abad remains Ecuador's vice-president until May 24, when Noboa's new term begins with MarÃa José Pinto as his second-in-command. Abad stated that she will continue to fight for her rights, setting a precedent for women in similar positions.
