The Ecuadorian authorities declared on Thursday a countrywide state of emergency for 60 days, after the assassination of the presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio.
"The Armed Forces as of this moment are mobilized throughout the national territory to guarantee the security of citizens, the tranquility of the country and the free and democratic elections of Aug. 20," Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso said in a speech broadcasted on Youtube.
For her part, President of the Ecuadorian National Electoral Council Diana Atamaint explained that "the date of the elections scheduled for Aug. 20 remain unalterable, in compliance with the constitutional and legal mandate." It is noteworthy that a non-identified gunman has assassinated Ecuadorian presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio at a campaign rally north the Ecuadorian capital, Quito.
Local media reported that Villavicencio was getting into a car after the presidential campaign rally, before a shot was fired at him out of the blue, pointing out that the candidate was shot in the head.
According to media outlets, eight other persons were injured during the rally, seven of whom were taken to the hospital.
Source: Qatar News Agency