During a press conference held by the so-called Citizen Alliance—comprising the RC, Popular Unity (Unidad Popular), the Ecuadorian Socialist Party (PSE), and the Todos Movement—Rivadeneira maintained that differences between these forces have taken a back seat to the deterioration of democracy and the rule of law.

At the media briefing, the RC leader denounced the persecution of politicians and local officials, citing cases such as former Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge Glas and the mayors of Guayaquil (Aquiles Alvarez) and Esmeraldas (Vicko Villacís).

She also mentioned the suspension of the political rights of local officials—including Cristian Zamora, Mayor of Cuencav—as well as the suspension or banning of political organizations, such as the RC, which had to seek allies to field its candidates.

Rivadeneira argued that the hostile background for the opposition is also whowed in decisions regarding candidacies, such as that of former presidential hopeful Luisa Gonzalez, who is facing legal proceedings after her registration for the Manabi Prefecture was rejected.

She also cited the complaint filed with the Electoral Contentious Tribunal (TCE) against Quito Mayor Pabel Munoz, who is seeking re-election.

PSE President Gustavo Vallejo joined in criticizing what he described as persecution against those who hold views differing from the government, maintaining that the case against Munoz is part of a series of events affecting opposition sectors.

Meanwhile, Popular Unity leader Natasha Rojas held President Daniel Noboa’s government responsible for blocking the participation of opposition candidates.

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