Marc Explores
Stories and photos from near and far.
Election Night in Quito, Ecuador
“Ya tenemos un Presidente! Tenemos a Rafael!” The song played on for hours tonight in Independence Square in Quito, Ecuador. And yes, Ecuador already has a president, Rafael Correa, and as of tonight, they have elected him to four more years in office.
The crowd of a few hundred were undeterred by a gentle rain as they waved their green flags and cheered for Correa to make an appearance on the balcony of the Carondalet Palace — the presidential palace which Correa opened to the public in 2007 .
They were passionate and excited, hopeful and proud. And, in contrast to other rallies around the world, they were decidedly sober. By country law, the imbibing of alcohol is outlawed a day before and even in the 24 hours after voting. No restaurants will serve it and bottles in bars were locked up or even surrounded by caution tape. Anyone caught drinking or selling alcohol risks arrest. Oh, and by law, EVERYONE has to vote.
A mere fifty feet away, on the other side of Independence Square, it was a still Sunday night.
At a few minutes past 8pm, Correa addressed the crowd .
And there was much rejoicing…
Marc Explores 