50,000 candidates hit the sectional campaign trail

The campaign for Ecuador’s sectional elections began Thursday with more than 50,000 candidates vying for provincial and municipal offices. Among those on the campaign trail was President Daniel Noboa who promoted National Democratic Action (ADN) candidates for mayor and prefect in several coastal cities.

President Daniel Noboa campaigned Thursday in Portoviejo.

In addition to mayoral and prefect positions, all municipal and prefecture council seats will be decided in the November 29 elections, as will seats on the Council of Citizen Participation and Control (Cpccs).

Noboa is taking a leave of absence to campaign for ADN candidates in larger provinces and cities, particularly in communities where his policies have been opposed. He is focusing on mayoral races in Quito, Guayaquil, Cuenca and Manta, and on prefect races in Pichincha, Guayas, Manabi, El Oro and Azuay Provinces.

Vice President Maria Jose Pinto will assume presidential duties in Noboa’s absence.

The campaign begins with eight provinces, El Oro, Esmeraldas, Guayas, Los Ríos, Manabí, Pichincha, Santa Elena and Santo Domingo, under a new state of emergency issued on Wednesday. The National Elections Council (CNE) said the restrictions should not affect most campaign activities.

According to the CNE, Azuay has the most qualified candidates seeking offices, with 4,200.