Ecuadorian presidential elections in the homestretch

The four main candidates for Ecuador’s president (from left to right): Rafael Correa, Alvaro Noboa, Leon Roldos, and Cynthia Vitieri

Many headlines from the world press have focused on tomorrow’s election for Ecuador’s next president. Here is a sample of what some of them have said over the past few days:

* The International Herald Tribune provides a small guide to the elections via articles on facts surrounding Election Day (e.g. mandatory voting and local elections aside from the presidency) , and brief biographies of the four main candidates (including front-runners Rafael Correa and Alvaro Noboa).

* Reuters notes how ex-finance minister Rafael Correa has slipped a bit in the latest polls while business magnate Alvaro Noboa leapfrogged center-left candidate Leon Roldos.

* Time magazine demonstrates how to use fear-mongering in order to gain attention via its headline entitled “Is Another Chavez on the Rise in Ecuador?”

* BBC News highlights the past decade of political instability in Ecuador as one of the main factors on the minds of voters.

* The Chicago Tribune points out how U.S. and Ecuadorian business interests are worried over a possible victory by Correa. An example of this from MarketWatch is how Correa vowed to renegotiate private oil contracts if he wins the presidency.

* Voice of America mentions how Correa’s vice presidential candidate admitted that Chavez is a “friend” of Correa though Correa would not emulate Chavez’ harsh anti-U.S. rhetoric if elected.

* The Scotsman mentions how Correa’s youth and charisma have worked to advantage, but also notes that traditional parties may unite against him in a possible runoff.

Links- International Herald Tribune, Time, BBC News, Chicago Tribune, MarketWatch, Voice of America, Reuters, The Scotsman

Image- Pravda

Tags- Ecuador, election