Correa could return to Ecuador to campaign against referendum, his supporters say

Friends of Rafael Correa say the ex-president might return to Ecuador to campaign against the February 4 referendum. Among the questions on the ballot, is one that that would prevent him from running again for president.

Former president Rafael Correa

Former foreign minister Ricardo Patiño said Correa is seriously considering returning from his current home in Brussels to participate in the “no” campaign. “He has not made a final decision, but it is very possible he will come,” Patiño said Tuesday morning, adding that Correa may decide as early as Wednesday.

In a radio interview Tuesday afternoon, Correa confirmed that he is considering returning to Ecuador to, as he says, “bring the fight against an undemocratic referendum.”

Correa visited Ecuador in December to attend a meeting of the faction of Alianza País that supports his policies and rejects those of President Lenin Moreno.

Another Correista, former national assemblyman Virgilio Hernández, said he was “very happy” that Correa was considering another trip to Ecuador. “He has every willingness to come home for the campaign and we look forward to his help and we hope to welcome him again on Thursday,” Hernández said.