Andrea Gonzalez Nader, the running mate to assassinated presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio, has been put forward by the party to contest the presidential election in his place.
In a statement dated August 12, the Construye party wrote; ‘The movement will replace the presidential ticket by putting Andrea Gonzalez as president.’ Fernando Villavicencio was shot three times while leaving a political rally on Wednesday last week leading to his death. Mr. Villavicencio had been known for being fearless in speaking against cartels and gangs in Ecuador and had even reported receiving death threats. The New York Times reported that the attack happened just days before the polling begins in an election where concerns about drug-related violence have dominated.
Read Also: Presidential Candidate Assassinated During a Rally in Ecuador
Unlike Fernando Villavicencio whose political career was marked by him calling out cases of corruption within the government, Andrea Gonzalez’s career has seen her focus on environmental issues. Her work has reportedly been centered on environmental campaigning, especially about seas and mangroves, as well as fighting wildlife trafficking and deforestation. Andrea Gonzalez is due to participate in the upcoming presidential debate in Quito today.
Speaking to media professionals during a conference, Villavicencio’s wife blamed his death on the state and expressed her dissatisfaction with Andrea’s appointment to succeed her husband.
The state still has to give many answers about everything that happened, his personal guards did not do their job. I do not want to think that they sold my husband to be murdered in this infamous way.
She said.
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Andrea Gonzalez’s running mate will be chosen from among the most dependable people who understood Villavicencio’s challenges, according to the Construye party statement, which also indicated the candidate’s name would be released soon.
