In Quito on March 12, major Ecuadorean Indigenous organization CONAIE and leftist social organizations announced they will not support Daniel Noboa for president in the upcoming run-off. Instead, they have presented a list of proposals to leftist candidate Luisa Gonzalez for her response.
The Indigenous vote in the country appears to be split, as some groups have declared their support for Noboa. Noboa, a 37-year-old heir to a business fortune, secured a victory over Gonzalez, a protege of former President Rafael Correa, in the first round held in February.
The close margin of the first round suggests that CONAIE leader and former candidate Leonidas Iza, who received 5.25% of votes, could potentially wield significant influence on the outcome of the second round.
While CONAIE has criticized Noboa's policies on security and the economy, other Indigenous and social organizations have pledged their support for the current president, who is completing his predecessor's term and seeking a full mandate.
Proposals presented to Gonzalez by the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE) and other groups include halting privatizations and large-scale mining projects, ending Noboa's anti-crime efforts, reverting the sales tax back to 12% from 15% as initiated by Noboa to fund security measures, and objecting to Ecuador's agreement with the International Monetary Fund.
On the other hand, CONFENIAE, a confederation of Indigenous groups from Ecuador's Amazon region, a part of CONAIE, has announced its support for Noboa but seeks a conversation regarding Amazon policies.
The political party led by former candidate Andrea Gonzalez, who came in fourth in the February vote with 2.69% support, has also declared their endorsement of Noboa.