Alianza Pais Announces Presidential Nominee

Alianza Pais, Ecuador’s ruling party, announced former Vice President Lenin Moreno as its candidate for the 2017 presidential election, a nomination which Mr. Moreno accepted on October 1. The recent announcement sets the stage for the future political clash. Moreno’s ticket will be completed with running mate, current Vice President Jorge Glas. The primary opposition will likely be right-wing Creo party’s Guillermo Lasso and the Unity coalition’s Cynthia Viteri, both strong critics of the current President and member of Alianza Pais, Rafael Correa.

The coming election arrives at a time of economic strife and questioning in the suffering oil-producing nation. However, though desire for political change has grown, Alianza Pais’ opposition has so far failed to consolidate, and Moreno’s initial poll results show him leading.

In his presidential platform, Moreno seeks to lessen the negative economic pressure the country has endured as oil prices drop. Moreno laid out detailed economic plans

including debt management, increased access to higher education, and development of the nation’s energy industry. According to Mr. Moreno, access to university and student loans, coupled with smart management of energy revenue and increased investment in mining, will help ease the nation’s economic troubles.

Although Alianza Pais and Rafael Correa have enjoyed success in times of healthy oil revenue and strong growth, recently they have met difficulty in drawing support. Though a recent constitutional amendment allows Correa to run for another term, he has declined to do so. It is unclear whether a growing appetite for change will end Alianza Pais’ long run in office or if Moreno can procure the presidency for the party for another four years.