The irreducible ones of Quito

Most are sympathizers of the presidential and vice president candidates of Guillermo Lasso and Andrés Páez, of the CREO-SUMA party.

They are not newbies. During the first round of elections, many of them already held a sit-in. This time, however, they not only demand transparency in the results, but also a recount of votes.

They have set 13 tents to protect themselves from the sun and rain and at least eight portable lavatories.

They also have a stage at their disposal, a microphone and speakers to express their discomfort. Yesterday, more than 15 people stood on the stage until noon. “There is plenty of courage because we all want to continue living in freedom,” were the words of Fernando Torres Bejarano, an agricultural entrepreneur. He has remained in the protest site with his family and friends.

He told Daily Expreso that he is frustrated with the results of the CNE because he believes his freedom is at stake. He decided to travel to Quito on Monday afternoon because “I felt I could do nothing in Guayaquil, here is where the potatoes are cooked,” he said.