Ecuador Presidential Candidate Demands Investigation into Shooting Incident
In the midst of the final days leading up to Ecuador’s presidential election, political candidate Otto Sonnenholzner has called for an investigation into a shooting incident that occurred just meters away from where he was dining with his family. Sonnenholzner, who is one of the contenders for the presidency, was having breakfast with his wife and daughters at a restaurant when the violence broke out.
“A few minutes after arriving at the restaurant, there was a shootout after a police chase a few meters from where we were,” Sonnenholzner said in a video message. Fortunately, neither he nor his family was harmed during the incident. However, Sonnenholzner expressed the need for a thorough investigation into what happened.
This shooting incident comes just days after the assassination of another presidential candidate, Fernando Villavicencio. Villavicencio was shot dead while leaving a campaign rally in the capital city of Quito on August 10. Known for his anti-corruption campaigning and investigative journalism, Villavicencio’s murder has shocked the international community and raised concerns about safety ahead of the upcoming elections.
Ecuador National Police later confirmed that they had detained five individuals after an assault at a sports store in Guayaquil city. They seized two firearms, sports clothing, and cash at the scene. However, the police stated that this shooting incident was unrelated to the election and was not targeted at Sonnenholzner and his family.
The escalating violence and crime in Ecuador, particularly in the country’s Pacific coast regions, have become significant issues leading up to the election. Multiple candidates have promised to prioritize improving security and tackle crime in their campaigns.
Gissella Cecibel Molina, a colleague and friend of the assassinated candidate Fernando Villavicencio, was also injured during the shooting incident. She risks partial blindness due to the attack but remains determined and defiant, vowing not to be subdued by criminal groups and corrupt politicians.
In the aftermath of this incident, Sonnenholzner reiterated the urgent need to address the serious crisis in the country. As a husband and father, he emphasized that no one should have to experience such violence, and expressed gratitude for the courage of Ecuadorians who will go out and vote for a better Ecuador.
Ecuadorians will decide between eight presidential candidates in the upcoming election, which is set to take place on Sunday. The outcome of the election will play a crucial role in determining the future of the country, as Ecuadorians demand safety and security amidst the ongoing violence.