MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Ecuadorians unmoved with October presidential election

Nearly four of five Ecuadorian eligible voters remain undecided in advance of the presidential election next October revealed a survey published Wednesday.

The Cedatos/Gallup International survey showed that indecision and lack of knowledge about a long list of presidential hopefuls prevailed among the electorate with less than two months to the October 15 elections.

Actually an overwhelming 78% admitted having no idea who they will vote to succeed President Alfredo Palacio. The percentage is split between 74% of eligible voters in urban areas and 86% in rural areas.

The Supreme Electoral Tribunal so far has approved nine candidates out of a list of 17 hopefuls, including the current leader in voter preference, former Vice President Leon Roldos of the Ethical and Democratic Network Movement.

According to Polibio Cordova, the director of Cedatos, survey respondents admitted knowing very "little" about presidential candidates and "even much less" about the vice presidential hopefuls.

"This lack of knowledge not only applies to the names of the candidates but also to the movements that back these candidacies, many of which are quite unfamiliar to the voters" he said.

Cordova also noted that just 21% of those polled said they were aware of the date of the elections and just 9% knew they must vote for both a presidential and vice presidential candidate.

In addition to their next president and vice president, Ecuadorians will also be electing national legislators and members of city councils.

Ecuador has a long history of political instability and growing electorate apathy.