The political party of Ecuador’s assassinated presidential hopeful, Fernando Villavicencio, picked its vice-presidential candidate to replace him on Saturday, just a week before the election.
Villavicencio’s Build party, or Construye in Spanish, announced on social media that Andrea González is replacing the 59-year-old as its presidential candidate in the 20 August vote.
Villavicencio, an ex-lawmaker and journalist with a long track record of exposing corruption, was fatally shot last week after leaving a campaign event in the capital, Quito, despite his government-provided security detail.
Fernando Villavicencio pictured days before his assassination. Photograph: Karen Toro/ReutersSix suspects – all Colombian nationals whom police accuse of links to criminal groups – have been charged with the murder and remain in custody after a judge on Thursday ordered they remain behind bars as the investigation into the crime continues.
His replacement, González, 36, is an environmental activist who has not previously held public office.
She had been selected by Villavicencio to be his running mate in the snap election called by outgoing president Guillermo Lasso.
While ballots have been printed, by law votes for Villavicencio will automatically transfer to Gonzalez.
The South American nation of 18 million has seen a rising tide of violence in recent years, including a sharp increase in the murder rate.
Villavicencio had been polling about the middle of the pack in a field of eight candidates prior to his assassination.
Beyond security, employment and migration have emerged as major campaign issues.