The Indigenous community of Cochapamba in Ecuador is preparing for a presidential run-off election between Daniel Noboa and Luisa González, both of whom they do not trust. Previously supporting Leonidas Iza, locals now express disappointment towards Noboa and skepticism towards González due to her connection with former President Correa. The community awaits guidance from Indigenous leadership as they face a challenging decision in the upcoming election.
In Ecuador’s highlands, the Indigenous community of Cochapamba is facing a challenging electoral choice between two presidential candidates, neither of whom resonate with them. As the April 13 run-off approaches, the remote community remains distant from the political campaigns of President Daniel Noboa and leftist candidate Luisa González. These candidates are aware that towns like Cochapamba play a crucial role in securing votes for the upcoming election, although their absence from the campaign trail has not gone unnoticed.
The community previously supported Indigenous leader Leonidas Iza, who finished third in the recent ballot with approximately half a million votes. The run-off will mirror a prior election that was triggered by the dissolution of the National Assembly, resulting in Noboa’s brief 16-month presidency. Notably, Noboa’s campaign focused on addressing Ecuador’s rising crime rates, which have affected public trust.
Cochapamba, situated at an altitude exceeding 3,600 meters, has a population of approximately 6,000, predominantly comprising Indigenous individuals who communicate in Kichwa and Spanish. With local livelihoods centered on white onion cultivation, many residents trekked up to two hours to cast their votes in the recent election. The preliminary results indicated that Noboa received 37.6% of the votes in Cotopaxi, while Iza garnered 29.3% and González received 27.7%.
Despite previously supporting Noboa, local sentiments have soured. Fernando Perdomo, a 46-year-old local authority member, expressed his disappointment, remarking, “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.” González, a candidate with limited political experience, is also viewed with skepticism, owing to her association with former President Rafael Correa, whose tenure ended controversially.
Perdomo articulated the community’s distrust towards González, stating, “Correa disdained Indigenous people.” The sentiments of disappointment and skepticism are echoed by Gloria Llugsha, a 28-year-old mother, who claimed that political leaders only remember their obligations to the people when seeking their support. Local Indigenous leadership remains pivotal in guiding the community’s voting decision in the face of the impending second-round election.
In summary, the Indigenous community of Cochapamba is weighed down by dissatisfaction and skepticism regarding the candidates vying for the presidency of Ecuador. The lack of trust in both Daniel Noboa and Luisa González highlights the challenges these candidates face in trying to connect with this vital voting population. The community’s focus on their Indigenous leadership’s guidance reflects a desire for representation that honors their unique needs and concerns. With the election approaching, it remains uncertain how the people of Cochapamba will respond to their candidates in light of their past experiences.
Original Source: www.local10.com
