Ecuador’s President Guillermo Lasso has declared a state of emergency following the assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio on August 9.
Villavicencio, a vocal critic of cartels and corruption, was assassinated following a political rally in Quito on Wednesday.
“And the second decree declaring a state of emergency for 60 days. The Armed Forces, as of this moment, they are mobilised throughout the national territory to guarantee the security of citizens,” Lasso said in a press conference in the early hours of Thursday morning.
Local media reported that a man shot the 59-year-old as he got into a car following the rally on Wednesday night.
Six people have been detained in connection with the incident, according to reports.
The killing, suspected to be the work of organised crime, occurred just before the upcoming presidential election.
Villavicencio had promised to combat corruption and was known for his opposition to criminal groups. His death highlights the increasing violence driven by gangs in Ecuador.
The country has been grappling with escalating violence and drug trafficking, prompting a state of emergency declaration in certain regions.
The incident has spurred outrage and calls for action from other candidates and the public.
