Social and indigenous movements in Ecuador, led by the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE), held this Thursday, November 13, in the city of Quito, capital of Ecuador, the closing of their campaign for the “No” to the referendum of President Daniel Noboa, arguing that the process threatens rights and national sovereignty.

A walk for rights and life, which has already traveled through several provinces, is now advancing from the south to the north of the capital with traditional ceremonies and cultural events. “They have already deceived us too much, we are going to go to the polls and we are going to say No to that cunning, deceitful popular consultation,” said Marlon Vargas, president of CONAIE.

RELATED:

Ecuador May Host Two U.S. Bases Pending Referendum on Foreign Military Presence

Other social groups are also carrying out actions in different parts of the country to promote the vote against, since, they argue, the proposals respond to neoliberal policies that threaten the rights conquered. In contrast, the ruling National Democratic Action (ADN) movement promotes the vote in favor of the four questions with caravans and campaign closing events in various provinces.

The Network of Intellectuals and Artists in Defense of Humanity-Ecuador sent a letter to the electoral observation missions to warn about possible manipulations of the results of the process.

On Wednesday, November 12, unions in Ecuador led a day of protests in several provinces of the country to promote the “No” vote in the popular consultation and referendum promoted by Noboa.

The mobilizations, called under the slogan “United and in the street, let’s defend our rights. For the No, for the future of the Ecuadorian people”, were developed in Quito, Cuenca, Guayaquil, Loja, Sucumbíos, Tungurahua, Carchi and other regions, promoted by the Ecuadorian Confederation of Unitary Class Organizations of Workers (Cedocut).

In the capital, dozens of people gathered in front of the Social Security Fund, where they chanted slogans and carried banners in rejection of the Executive’s proposals. The Metropolitan Transit Agency (AMT) ordered progressive closures on 10 de Agosto Avenue and Guayaquil Street due to the massive turnout.

The president of the United Workers’ Front (FUT), Edwin Bedoya, reiterated his call to vote No, especially on the question of a Constituent Assembly. “

“President Noboa has not explained to the country what model of State he intends to establish. He is a hesitant president, who does not even know the social security system,” he said.

For his part, Andrés Quishpe, president of the National Union of Educators (UNE), warned that the referendum could open the door to the privatization of the IESS, education and health.

“Voting yes is handing a blank check to power. After the consultation, there will be increases in fares, gas and electricity rates, in compliance with the International Monetary Fund,” he said. The UNE, which held simultaneous sit-ins in at least 13 provincial capitals, said in a statement that the mobilization seeks to “defend the historical conquests of the Ecuadorian people.”

These mobilizations take place in anticipation of the electoral silence that will begin to take effect on Friday, November 14, two days before the consultation. More than 13 million Ecuadorians, including more than 400,000 residents abroad, are called to the polls this Sunday, November 16

IN THIS ARTICLE