New fact-checking site in Ecuador seeks to help citizens look beyond the lies of the upcoming presidential election

For journalist Iván Flores Poveda, the presidential elections that will take place in Ecuador in February 2017 represent “a democratic transition.” After 10 years in power, President Rafael Correa decided not to put his hat in the ring for the position. However, according to Flores, the president has become a kind of campaign manager for the ticket of Lenín Moreno and Jorge Glass, the former and current vice presidents under Correa.

Journalism in the Americas - Silvia Higuera 28/10/2016

For journalist Iván Flores Poveda, the presidential elections that will take place in Ecuador in February 2017 represent “a democratic transition.” After 10 years in power, President Rafael Correa decided not to put his hat in the ring for the position. However, according to Flores, the president has become a kind of campaign manager for the ticket of Lenín Moreno and Jorge Glass, the former and current vice presidents under Correa.

But the fight for the presidency is not easy. The serious economic crisis, high unemployment and “significant loss of political capital” that has generated discontent among citizens has weakened the ruling party, the journalist explained.

In this context, it’s not surprising to Flores that the confrontation characteristic of previous elections has grown, increasing the use of misleading information or lies. Hence the importance of Ecuador Chequea, the first digital site in the country dedicated to fact-checking electoral discourse, which was launched Oct. 26.

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