Ecuador’s CONAIE to present a major challenge to Lasso

Significance

Iza, a central figure in 2019 anti-austerity protests, replaces Jaime Vargas, who was expelled from CONAIE after backing 'Correista' candidate Andres Arauz in April’s presidential election run-off. Vargas’s expulsion illustrates divisions within Ecuadoran indigenous politics. CONAIE nevertheless remains a powerful force that will challenge the government.

Impacts

• Private media channels will attempt to discredit Iza and CONAIE and undermine wider support for the indigenous movement.
• Correa will attempt to strengthen links within CONAIE and the Pachakutik party and build a broader leftist alliance.
• Popular resistance to Lasso’s economic reforms might undermine investor confidence in Ecuador.