In its most recent bulletin, the CNE indicated that as of 1:00 p.m. (local time) 30 percent of the voters had voted, while 47 of the 97 voting zones abroad had concluded voting.

Amid complaints from political organizations about irregularities, the head of the electoral observation mission of the European Union, Gabriel Mato, asked that for the sake of transparency, delegates from political parties be allowed to enter the voting stations.

In statements to the press, Mato mentioned that he has “specific alerts” that in five provinces they have not been allowed to fulfill this mission.

“A special effort must be made so that delegates and observers can be at each of the tables where they want because one of the most important parts of a process is transparency”, he said.

However, the observer said the vote is perceived as calm.

More than 13.7 million Ecuadorians are called to the polls this Sunday to elect, in addition to the president and vice president, 151 legislators and five Andean parliamentarians.

The voting stations will close at 5:00 p.m. (local time) and from 7:00 p.m. (local time) the CNE estimates that it will have the first results.

A total of 16 candidates aspiring to the presidency in these elections that analysts and surveys show are polarized between Luisa González, of the Citizen Revolution, and Daniel Noboa, current president and candidate for reelection.

Violence, political tensions and accusations of possible manipulation mark this key day for the future of Ecuador, where the government defends its permanence and the left, represented by the RC, seeks a change for the country after years of multiple crises.

ef/oda/avr