On election day on August 20, Ecuadorians will also have to answer whether they are for or against keeping oil underground in block 43, known as ITT, which could halt or confirm extractive activities in the zone.

For this public consultation, the National Electoral Council (CNE) has authorized seven organizations to campaign for Yes, which confirm that other ways of obtaining these funds can be found and favor the care of nature; and two for No, who ask that the resources that arrive in the state do not stop producing about $1,200 million a year and that it would also have to be spent on dismantling what was used to produce it.

Meanwhile, Quito voters will also have additional consultations – and a vote – to decide whether or not to support metal mining development in the Chocó Andino reserve, in the northwest of the city district. For this, ten political and social groups and one promoter will be able to lead a campaign.

The election campaign of the two popular consultations will last from July 29 to August 17, according to the election calendar approved by the CNE.

In view of these issues, it is necessary that organizations authorized to promote responsibly inform the public so that they can make the right decision after judiciously considering the advantages and disadvantages that the result could cause for the country. In the same way, the population must consider the arguments for and against and contrast the comments and information they receive in this regard.

The CNE must also make it clear how it will control qualified groups and, even more so, those unqualified who might run an irregular campaign, especially on social media, a space where almost any argument can be promoted without having to let go of the real A difficult task, but which must be attempted in order to give voters more clarity when deciding. (OR)