Buenos Aires, April 11, (dpa/GNA) – In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic and a severe economic crisis, Ecuadorians are voting for a new president on Sunday.
In the second round of the presidential election, conservative banker Guillermo Lasso is facing left-wing candidate Andres Arauz.
In the latest polls, both candidates are effectively tied at around 50 per cent of the vote.
Arauz is seen as the protege of Rafael Correa, a former president.
If he wins the election, he is likely to continue Correa’s policy of “21st century socialism,” increase subsidies and oppose the austerity programme demanded by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Lasso, on the other hand, stands for a liberal economic programme. He wants to create jobs and attract foreign investors.
The 65-year-old is a member of the ultra-conservative Opus Dei association and is strictly against same-sex marriage and abortion.
The South American country is in a deep economic crisis due to the drop in oil prices and the coronavirus pandemic.
The previous president, Lenin Moreno, had recently seen his popularity plummet and did not even stand for re-election.
GNA