AMERICA/ECUADOR - The Bishops on the election results: "Transparency, never violence, peace is in danger"

Quito (Agenzia Fides) - "Ecuador is going through difficult times, which threaten the unity of our country. Peace is indeed in danger!" says the statement of the Bishops' Conference sent to Fides. The text continues: "In the face of controversial results expressed from the polls last Sunday, the Bishops of the Episcopal Conference unconditionally recognize the right of the Ecuadorian people to know the truth".
"The electoral authorities, supported by the national government, has a duty to ensure transparency and show evidence of the truth regarding the results" stresses the text. "Never violence, but the path to peace, development and democracy".
"It is essential to immediately start dialogue to fully clarify the truth and therefore immediately return to calm and quiet", concludes the statement.
After the first reports on the victory of Lenín Moreno on Sunday, April 2 elections (see Fides 03/04/2017), the opposition accuses of ballot rigging during the final vote count. In these last two days tension has risen because opposition demonstrators closed the streets and burned bins and tires to block the transit of vehicles in Quito, Guayaquil and Ambato, asking for a re-counting of the ballots. Police had to intervene to stop the protesters and to avoid clashes. The National Electoral Council published its penultimate report two days ago which highlighted that Lenín Moreno, won with 51.16% before Lasso who obtained 48.84%. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 06/04/2017)

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