Ecuadorian presidential candidate, Fernando Villavicencio assassinated

Ecuadorian presidential contender Fernando Villavicencio met a tragic fate on Wednesday afternoon, falling victim to assassination during a political gathering in the heart of Quito, the nation’s capital. This shocking event unfolded just days before the impending election.

A former journalist aged 59, Villavicencio stood as one of eight aspirants in the presidential race. The aftermath of his untimely demise prompted the suspension of campaign activities by at least three candidates: Yaku Perez Guartambel, Bolivar Armijos, and Jan Topic.

Expressing his deep concern, presidential nominee Daniel Noboa Azin asserted, “This is an assault on the nation, democracy, and the peace of every Ecuadorian.”

Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso, confirming the tragic incident, promptly convened a Security Cabinet Meeting to address the situation. Carlos Figueroa, a close associate who was present during the shooting, conveyed in an online video that Villavicencio suffered three gunshot wounds to the head.

President Lasso voiced his distress and indignation at the assassination, stating, “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.” The president, seemingly attributing the act to “organized crime,” pledged to ensure that the culprits face the full force of the law.

The attack left no less than nine individuals injured, including a National Assembly candidate and two police officers, according to the attorney general’s office. An investigation into the shooting has been launched.

Villavicencio, hailing from the center-right Movimiento Construye party, tragically met his end less than a fortnight before the scheduled general election on August 20. His demise comes in the midst of a wave of political turmoil gripping the country.

Recent weeks have seen the unfortunate assassination of Agustin Intriago, the mayor of Manta, a central coast port city. Lasso attributed this act to organized crime as well. In a collateral tragedy, Ariana Chancay also lost her life. Earlier in February, Omar Menendez, a mayoral candidate for Puerto Lopez, met a similar fate.

In the aftermath of Intriago’s killing, Movimiento Construye contemplated suspending Villavicencio’s campaign briefly or enhancing security. Despite this, the party communicated that their leader was determined to continue.

“Fernando Villavicencio bravely confronted criminal networks, unflinchingly exposing their political ties,” the party’s statement declared. “We demand answers from the state and justice to ensure that Fernando’s murder does not go unanswered.”