La Segunda Vuelta - Goin' to the Polls 2.0

The whole democratic process here has been a real eye opener. I, at least logically, understand that there are different ways of electing a government - the US election proved that, but to see it in action is a whole different reality.

For a bit of a recap, in Ecuador the incoming president needs to win 50% of the popular vote, or if that is not achieved, the candidate has to receive 40% of the popular vote with an equal or greater than 10% margin than the second place candidate. This is written in the law and is (to all appearances) sacred. The two leading parties, after the first round of voting, came in at 39.3% and the following candidate had 28.1% (give or take). So the required margin was achieved, but not the 40% requirement. A month later the country went back to the polls to decide between the two. 

Lenin Moreno - Movemiento Alianza Pais

It was very close. The good news is that the vote was only between the two presidential hopefuls and their vice presidents - each team being awarded one vote per ballot. The further good news is that the winner only needs one vote more than the loser; there are no substantial margins to be achieved.

Guilermo Lasso - La Alianza Creo - Suma

It's been a bit ugly. The current party has held office for 10 years. This fact leads a lot of people to accuse voter fraud. The current president is VERY thin skinned and, because of that, he likes to try and control the media to a certain extent. He isn't running this time, but his hand picked successor is. The challenger is a gentleman who was involved with the government when Ecuador's economy took a dive and they had to switch to the US dollar to try and stabilize things. 

Currently, with almost all the votes counted the incumbent party seems ready to take power again. (They're sitting at 51.17% while the opposition is at 48.83%. In truth, the current party already has the majority in the assembly, so whoever wins the presidency is a bit moot.) Here's the thing...there are people out there that truly believe that the current administration is only in power due to voter fraud...and they've done it again, this time  round. The challenger isn't making things better by demanding verification, accusing the existing party outright of fraud and corruption. (It's all very USA style politics, or so it seems to me.) 

In honesty, I'm trying to get my head around it, because Latin American countries have really had their challenges with legitimate governments. There are people who live here who have seen rampant bribery affect the outcomes of "democratic" elections, so they have a right to be doubtful, or so I would guess. I just can't fathom it. Everything looked above board at the polling stations, the governing body that counts the ballots had information out rapidly (relatively speaking) and the percentages seem fairly consistent. It was always going to be a close race.

I'd like to think that the process has been legitimate, but I don't have the history here that lifelong Ecuadorians have, so how can I say? I guess the proof is in the pudding and the next year or two will show whether the winning candidate was in earnest or not.

Que viva la democracia!

Please Vote

For all my Canadian readers, as all you know the federal election is just over two weeks away.

I'd like to remind all Canadians that our right to vote is a hard won and coveted  privilege. Many people have fought, gone to jail and died to be able to exercise this right, so PLEASE take the time to vote. It is your right and Canadian labour laws provide time for you to be able to go to the polls.

Don't delude yourself - your vote does matter. There is a huge amount of data supporting this. The last government was elected by 25% of the eligible voters. If you don't feel you have sufficient information to make a choice please take half an hour to educate yourself on the candidates in your riding. (Elections Canada Party and Candidate Information) There is a lot of information on http://www.elections.ca, so start there.

If you are in the 18-25 year old demographic, you are currently in a position to make a huge difference. The parties (for the most part) have neglected you, as they believe you don't care. I know this isn't true. Your demographic is actually in a position to decide the next government, if only you take the time to mark your ballots. Have a voting party and include your friends - tweet about, Instagram, or snapchat about it. Get involved in how your tax money is handled, who speaks for you and how our country grows and changes. That's what your vote can do.

I wish I could say that I don't care who you vote for - I actually do - but that isn't the point of the blog, so long as you vote. Whether you have an ingrained loyalty to a certain party (although I encourage strategic voting), or a disdain for them all, not choosing is still a choice and takes away your right to challenge, complain or object to the next government including your opinion on: taxation, legislation and representation etc.

So, on October 19th, head to the polls (or vote in the early ballots Oct. 9th, 10th, 11th & 12th,  if you have other stuff to do that day), and mark your 'X'. It's painless and it's something that millions of people around the world wish they could do.

Let's take back our country, so we can lift our heads proudly, both at home and away.