Ecuador's electoral body investigates alleged meeting between provincial director and political candidate

Ecuador's National Electoral Council (CNE) is scrutinizing its Manabí provincial director, Roberto Pinoargote, following allegations of a meeting with Marcos Zambrano, a candidate for the Acción Democrática Nacional (ADN) party. Images circulating on social media depict the two men at a hotel in the province, sparking debate among CNE council members.

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he was at the hotel for a personal meeting with the owner and nothing more, that it was a coincidence.

The controversy gained traction after the Manabí Electoral Board recently denied the candidacy of Luisa González for the Pachakutik party. In response to the allegations, CNE President José Cabrera reported that Pinoargote explained the encounter was a mere coincidence. According to Pinoargote, he was at the hotel for a personal meeting with its owner when he happened to meet Zambrano.

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provincial directors are appointed by the Plenary of the organization and Pinoargote has 30 years of experience.

Cabrera confirmed that the CNE is analyzing the situation and will take appropriate measures. The full council will issue a statement following the investigation. Pinoargote, who has 30 years of experience and was appointed by the CNE's Plenary, is subject to this review. The CNE is proceeding with its electoral calendar for the sectional elections scheduled for November 29, 2026, with 1,062 candidacies already confirmed.

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we are analyzing the fact and measures will be taken. Later, the Plenary of the CNE will pronounce itself.