Ecuador: Violence reported Jan. 31 ahead of constitutional referendum Feb. 4 /update 2

Event

The parked car of former Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa was vandalized by protesters in Quinindé (Esmeraldas province) on Wednesday, January 31, while he gave an interview at a local radio station. Correa reportedly gave the interview as part of his campaign against proposed reforms regarding the implementation of presidential term limits to be voted on during the upcoming nationwide constitutional referendum on Sunday, February 4. Several pro-"Yes" protesters reportedly threw sticks, rocks, and garbage, among other objects, at Correa's vehicle before Ecuadorian National Police officers dispersed them with tear gas.

Correa's interview and the attack came a day before the referendum's campaign period ended on Thursday, February 1. Additional political protests and rallies both for and against the proposed amendments and consequent transportation disruptions are, nonetheless, possible in the coming days. A heightened security presence is expected at polling places in advance of the referendum.

Context

Approximately 33,000 soldiers and 48,000 police officers are participating in security operations to protect the nationwide referendum scheduled to take place February 4. Security forces have been deployed to guard the ballots and will be present at polling stations to ensure transparency.

The referendum was called for by President Lenín Moreno, with a main goal of implementing presidential term limits that would effectively bar former President Correa from running for office in the country's next presidential elections - scheduled for 2021.

Tensions have been high between Correa and Moreno, despite the two being from the same political party, the leftist Alianza PAIS. Correa described Moreno as a sheep in wolf's clothing following the arrest of Vice President Jorge Glas, who was sentenced to six years in prison in December 2017 in connection with the regional Odebrecht corruption scandal. Glas is accused of accepting bribes while serving under Correa; Correa has also been linked to the Odebrecht scandal.

Advice

Individuals in Ecuador are advised to keep abreast of the sociopolitical climate, avoid all protests and political rallies as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.