“We will take back our oil, our country, our future”, this is one of the slogans that Rafael Correa voiced at a political rally last week in Ecuador. Next Sunday, October 15, Ecuadorians will vote for their next president. While Ecuadorian law prohibits releasing polling information in the last weeks before the election, international pollsters give Correa a lead with 36% of voter intention, followed by Leon Roldos and Alvaro Noboa with 20%.
In recent months Rafael Correa, who briefly served as a minister of economics under outgoing president Palacio, has positioned himself as the front runner in the presidential elections. He has supported the idea of the Ecuadorian state taking over more control of the country’s natural resources, opposing a free trade agreement with the United States, and rolling back so called “neoliberal” policies. These declarations have so far sent a cold shower to international investors and local businessmen.
During this very heated campaign CIPE has been working with the National Association of Entrepreneurs (ANDE) to develop a higher level of discussion and awareness of competitiveness issues as the public examines choices of presidential candidates and the policies they put forward in their campaigns. During the month of September, ANDE held four seminars with presidential candidates on “Competitiveness and Changing Perspectives in the Private Sector” with the participation of representatives and members of local chambers of commerce, industry, tourism, banking associations, young political leaders, micro-entrepreneurs, and those in the agricultural, mining and construction sectors. Four presidential candidates, including Correa and Leon Roldos, participated in these events which received substantial coverage on television, radio and in the newspapers. All of the presidential candidates that participated in these seminars committed to:
• Upholding ethical and moral principles
• Creating a productive and competitive environment in the country
• Advancing corporate governance principles in state owned enterprises
• Promoting economic stability
In what direction will Correa take the country if he wins the election? His mixed messages leave me all but guessing.
Published Date: October 13, 2006