Alianza País delays registration of its presidential and assembly candidates

Ecuador’s ruling Alianza País has postponed the official registration of its national election candidates from Wednesday to Friday, sparking speculation of dissent within party ranks.

Vice President Jorge Glas

Social media reports from a seven-hour closed-door meeting on Monday suggested that there was disagreement about the choices of National Assembly candidates as well as the possible replacement of Vice President Jorge Glas on the 2017 presidential ticket.

Friday is the last day for candidates to register with the national elections council for the February election..

Party chairwoman Doris Solis said that suggestions of disunity within País were overblown. “This is the process that all political parties go through in choosing candidates,” she said. “We engage in spirited talks then we unify behind the candidates we pick.”

According to Twitter accounts, the status of Glas as Lenin Moreno’s vice-presidential running mate was a major topic during the meeting. Some party members believe Glas will be a drag on Moreno’s election chances and called for his replacement. Newspaper articles have claimed Glas has off-shore bank accounts and ties to those involved in the Petroecuador scandal. Moreno says he stands by Glas until the allegations are proven.