Pre-election politics in Ecuador.
Deteriorating economic conditions, declining public spending and falling support for the government have provided opposition forces with a favourable climate to make gains in advance of next year's general elections. However, with little over eight months before voters are scheduled to go to the polls, the opposition is fragmented and the main challengers are uncertain. The political landscape is further complicated by uncertainty over who will stand for the ruling party. While President Rafael Correa has repeatedly stated that he will not compete, he may yet seek election for a fourth successive term.
Constitutional reform, media freedom, security and tax reductions will be the focus of electoral campaigns from the right and centre.
Preventing large-scale mining, environmentalism, creating a plurinational state and wealth redistribution will be central to the left.
The full list of parties and candidates authorised to compete in the elections will not be known until the year-end.
