In Ecuador’s highlands, an Indigenous community in Cochapamba is faced with a challenging presidential run-off election between candidates Daniel Noboa and Luisa González, neither of whom campaigned locally. The community expresses deep distrust towards both candidates, especially regarding promises made to Indigenous people. Previous support for leader Leonidas Iza highlights ongoing disillusionment with national politics as residents await direction from their leaders on whom to support next.
In Ecuador’s highlands, specifically in Cochapamba, an Indigenous community is grappling with a choice between two presidential candidates in an upcoming run-off election. Neither candidate, President Daniel Noboa nor leftist lawyer Luisa González, visited this remote community during their campaigns, yet they aim to secure votes from such towns critical to their election success on April 13. The Indigenous community previously supported leader Leonidas Iza, who finished third in the last election.
Cochapamba, located at an elevation of over 12,000 feet, is home to around 6,000 Indigenous residents. Their economy is primarily based on the cultivation and sale of white onions. Recently, voters trekked for hours to participate in the election, with early results indicating that Noboa received 37.6% of the vote in Cotopaxi province, while Iza and González followed closely behind.
Despite having garnered support in the past, community members express skepticism about Noboa, reflecting disappointment in his promises. For instance, Fernando Perdomo, part of the Decentralized Autonomous Government, stated that “we thought (Noboa) was a young man who was really going to make a difference, but up to this point, at least for me, he has lied.” Meanwhile, González faces distrust due to her association with former President Rafael Correa, who is criticized for his authoritarianism towards Indigenous people.
Local residents await guidance from Indigenous leaders regarding their support for the run-off candidates. Concerns regarding the sincerity of political promises permeate the community, highlighting a pervasive sense of disillusionment. Gloria Llugsha articulated the community’s feelings: “I’d be deeply disappointed if all the candidates’ promises were forgotten,” emphasizing that past presidents only seem to recognize the community during electoral campaigns.
The situation in Cochapamba illustrates the challenges faced by Indigenous communities in Ecuador who feel disenfranchised by national politics. As they prepare for the presidential run-off, the community’s distrust and disappointment with the candidates reflect deeper issues surrounding representation and accountability in governance. The decision they will make in the upcoming election is not just a vote for a candidate but a statement about their desire for genuine change and recognition.
Original Source: www.local10.com
