Ecuadorians electing new president, choosing between an heir to a banana empire and an attorney

By REGINA GARCIA CANO
Associated Press

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Frightened by unprecedented violence on the streets and within prisons, Ecuadorians have a universal demand for their next president — safety. A runoff election Sunday pits an heir to a banana empire and an attorney. The election comes as more Ecuadorians become victims of the drug-related violence that erupted roughly three years ago and intensified in August. People are continuously watching their backs and limit how often they leave home. Whoever wins will govern only through May 2025, which is what remains of the presidency of Guillermo Lasso. He cut his term short when he dissolved the National Assembly in May amid impeachment proceedings against him.