Correa's party allies with another to vie in Ecuador local elections

Ecuador's Revolución Ciudadana (RC) political movement, formerly led by ex-President Rafael Correa, has forged an alliance with the national party Amigo. This strategic partnership will allow RC candidates to compete in the upcoming local elections scheduled for November, following the RC's temporary suspension in March amidst a fiscal investigation into alleged money laundering.

Rafael Correa announced the alliance, stating, "In these elections, Amigo-Listas 16 is Revolución Ciudadana Listas 5 (RC5), because, in an illegality and unprecedented arbitrariness - and that the 'press' should remember every day - they banned RC5." He shared news reports indicating that prominent RC figures, such as Quito's mayor Pabel Muñoz and former presidential candidate Luisa González, have been nominated as pre-candidates for local positions under the Amigo party's affiliation.

This move comes after the RC faced a nine-month suspension by an electoral judge, stemming from a complaint by the interim prosecutor general. The investigation, dubbed 'Caja Chica,' alleges that the party received illicit funds from Venezuela to finance its 2023 presidential campaign. The suspension had cast doubt on the RC's ability to participate in elections under its own banner.

Adding complexity to the situation, Juan Iván Cueva, who previously ran for president under the Amigo party, has distanced himself from the current decision, stating the alliance with RC was not approved by him. The RC's current president, Gabriela Rivadeneira, had previously hinted at participating in the elections with another party, prioritizing the protection of their allies from further "attempts at proscription."

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In these elections, Amigo-Listas 16 is Revolución Ciudadana Listas 5 (RC5), because, in an illegality and unprecedented arbitrariness - and that the 'press' should remember every day - they banned RC5.