Campaigns for presidency and National Assembly officially begin today

Presidential candidates. (El Comercio)

Today is the official beginning of Ecuador’s 2017 campaign for the presidency and 137 seats in the National Assembly. Candidates are allowed to begin television, newspaper and roadside advertising, which is monitored by the National Electoral Council (CNE) to make sure it meets standards set by national election laws.

Each of the eight presidential tickets receives $576,751 from the government for advertising and are allowed to spend additional funds provided by their campaigns.

The CNE can impose fines of $50,000 to $100,000 for advertising violations. It can also fine candidates who currently hold public office from using those office for campaign purposes and monitors travel expenses to make sure public funds are not used for campaign events.

Candidates are allowed to spend campaign funds to promote rallies, caravans, and interview tours.

Ecuador’s national election is Sunday, February 19. A run-off will be held in the presidential election if no candidate receives 50% of the vote plus one, or 40% with a 10% lead of the closest rival.

All citizens between the ages of 16 and 65 are required to vote. Foreign residents are also allowed to vote but it is not mandatory.