Political tension in Ecuador: Abad accuses Noboa of gender violence.

The political situation in Ecuador has intensified with the recent accusation by Vice President Dolores Abad, who has accused President Daniel Noboa of political gender violence. This accusation arises in a context of growing tension between the two, marked by significant differences since the beginning of the electoral campaign for the runoff. The complaint not only reflects a personal conflict but also highlights the complex dynamics of gender in Ecuadorian politics, where political gender violence is considered a very serious electoral infringement, according to the Democracy Code. Vice President Abad has expressed her determination to pursue this accusation, assuring that her decision will be supported by a conscious populace. During her address to the legislative committee, Abad was firm and clear about her intention to file the complaint, emphasizing that she hopes the public recognizes the seriousness of the situation. Political gender violence can lead to severe penalties, ranging from fines to dismissal, underscoring the gravity of the accusation and its potential impact on Noboa's political future. The context of this accusation is complicated by Noboa's recent decision to send Abad as ambassador to Turkey amidst international tensions in the Middle East. This move has been interpreted as an attempt to distance himself and perhaps as a strategy to pressure the vice president. Abad has expressed her bewilderment at this action, questioning the motive behind what she perceives as hostile treatment from the president. Her comment about feeling "exiled" reflects the depth of the conflict and the perception of a personal attack in the political arena. As this conflict escalates, Abad has also made it clear that she has no intention of resigning from her position. In fact, she has defended her right to temporarily assume the presidency should Noboa request leave for his re-election campaign for the 2025 elections. Abad's assertion that she plans to remain in her position can be seen as an act of resistance against what she considers an attempt to strip her of her political role and silence her voice within the government. In a parallel move, Noboa has accepted the nomination from his party, Acción Democrática Nacional, to run in the general elections of 2025, indicating his intention to consolidate power and seek a new mandate. This announcement coincides with the growing friction between him and Abad, raising the question of how the electorate will respond to this division within the current administration. With elections set to renew both the presidency and the National Assembly, the political climate in Ecuador is becoming increasingly volatile. On the other hand, Abad is not only a target of criticism from Noboa but also faces legal challenges. She is currently under investigation by the Electoral Controversy Tribunal due to a complaint filed by Juan Esteban Guarderas, who alleges irregularities in her candidacy for the mayoralty of Cuenca in the 2023 local elections. The possibility that Abad may face additional legal consequences could further complicate her situation and affect her leadership capacity in the current context. The hearing regarding this complaint was scheduled for August 15 but has been postponed, leaving Abad's future in uncertain limbo. The prolongation of the judicial process could be a strategy to delay the resolution of the conflict, allowing political tension in the country to continue to grow. If found guilty of the accusations, Abad could lose not only her position but also her political rights, which would constitute a significant blow to female representation in Ecuadorian politics. The case of Abad and Noboa highlights how politics in Ecuador is being affected by gender and how power dynamics can play a fundamental role in political life. Political gender violence is a reality that not only silences women but also undermines democracy and equitable representation. Abad's accusation is a call for reflection on these issues and emphasizes the need for a change in the political culture of the country. Amidst this struggle, the Ecuadorian people are closely watching the developments of this situation, hoping that decisions will be made that not only resolve the conflict between Abad and Noboa but also strengthen democracy and equity in political representation. Abad's fight could become a symbol of resistance for many women in the country who face violence and obstacles in the political sphere. The response from the public and institutions will be crucial in the days to come.