The centrist Construye party said in a statement on Saturday that Andrea Gonzalez will replace the year-old leader, who was shot dead last week after leaving a campaign event in the capital, Quito. Gonzalez, a year-old environmental activist who has not previously held public office, was selected by Villavicencio to be his running mate in the snap election called by outgoing President Guillermo Lasso. While ballots have already been printed, by law votes for Villvicencio will automatically transfer to the party candidate.
Six suspects โ all Colombian nationals whom police accuse of links to criminal groups โ have been charged with the murder of Villavicencio , an ex-lawmaker and journalist with a track record of exposing corruption.
All the suspects remain in custody after a judge on Thursday ordered they remain behind bars as the criminal investigation continues. Authorities on Saturday transferred the leader of a powerful gang accused of threatening Villavicencio before he was assassinated to a maximum-security prison. The South American nation of some 18 million has seen a rising tide of violence in recent years, including a sharp increase in the murder rate.
Villavicencio had been polling around the middle of the pack in a field of eight candidates prior to his assassination. Published On 13 Aug 13 Aug Sponsored Content.
