Their candidacies carry forward the country’s leading political force, the Citizen’s Revolution of former president Rafael Correa, and ensure a clear alternative for the Ecuadorian people as they exercise their democratic rights in next year’s elections.

This victory was only won through tireless struggle by the courageous Ecuadorian people — undaunted in their aspirations for peace, justice, and democracy — in conjunction with solidarity organized at a planetary scale.

“The international community knows that the Arauz-Rabascall ticket represents one of the largest political forces in Ecuador and is a key contender for victory in the February 2021 elections,” members of the PI Council wrote to the CNE. “Barring the main opposition from contesting elections would be a violation of Ecuadorian law, a violation of Ecuadorian fundamental rights, and a violation of international democratic standards.”

Yanis Varoufakis, Greek MP and member of the Council of the Progressive International, said: "Today's ruling is an historic victory for democracy in Ecuador and the solidarity movement that is growing around the world to support it. Our democracies are in critical condition, threatened by authoritarian leaders and the forces of capital that support them. It has never been more critical for progressive forces to band together in their defense. The Progressive International and its friends across the planet have mobilized to ensure that the people of Ecuador have their right to free and fair elections. We are overjoyed that the CNE has voted to respect this right."

While this is a vital step forward, the struggle is not over. The Citizen’s Revolution will have its place at the polls, but as we have seen in Brazil and Bolivia in just the last several years, we must be constantly vigilant in the defense of popular sovereignty against the coordinated forces of the reaction.

Nevertheless, this crucial victory demonstrates the power of internationalism in our time and the necessity of an organization — a fighting International — ready to win it.

Photo: szeke / creativecommons