Silvia Abad files a complaint against Daniel Noboa for political gender violence in Ecuador.

The recent complaint by Ecuador's Vice President, Silvia Abad, against President Daniel Noboa has sparked a heated debate in the country's political arena. Abad has accused Noboa of exercising political gender violence, a term that has gained relevance in the context of electoral campaigns and is considered a serious electoral offense under the Code of Democracy. This type of violence, which seeks to undermine women's participation and leadership in politics, could incur severe penalties, including fines and the suspension of participation rights. The background of this situation dates back to the tensions that have arisen between the two since the beginning of the electoral campaign for the runoff. In her statement before the occasional legislative committee, Abad had anticipated her intention to denounce Noboa, stating that her action would be clear and that she expected support from a conscious populace. This support is crucial in a country where political gender violence has been reported on various occasions, yet still faces significant obstacles to being eradicated. The climate of tension intensified following Noboa's decision to appoint Abad as ambassador to Turkey, amid a complicated international context due to the conflict in the Middle East. The President has questioned this decision, interpreting it as an attempt to distance her and undermine her political influence, a fact that has left Abad feeling "exiled" and denouncing a "hostile" treatment. In her statements, she has expressed her confusion over the "hatred" that, according to her, the president has toward her. Abad has made it clear that she does not intend to resign from her position, defending her right to temporarily assume the presidency in case Noboa needs to be absent for his reelection campaign for the general elections in 2025. This aspect is crucial, as the current president has confirmed his intention to seek reelection, generating a context of internal competition and rivalries that are reflected in their personal and political relationships. President Noboa, for his part, has continued with his political agenda and has accepted the nomination of his movement, Acción Democrática Nacional (ADN), for the 2025 elections, which places Abad in a delicate situation. She is facing a complaint in the Electoral Contentious Tribunal for alleged irregularities in the 2023 local elections. This complaint, filed by a member of the Citizen Participation Council, adds a new level of complexity to her political situation. The Tribunal has the responsibility to analyze the complaint made by Abad and determine whether it is valid or not. The hearing scheduled for August 15, regarding the complaint she faces, has been postponed, generating uncertainty about her political future. If Abad is found guilty, the consequences would be drastic, as she could lose her political rights and her ability to hold public office. Abad's struggle is not only framed in a personal context but also represents a broader fight for women's rights in Ecuadorian politics. Political gender violence is a phenomenon that affects many women at different levels of government and is often silenced or minimized. Abad has decided to break that silence and confront what she considers injustices both personally and institutionally. Meanwhile, public opinion is closely watching the outcome of this conflict, which could have significant implications for Ecuador's political future. The response from the citizenry, the support Abad may receive, and how allegations of political gender violence are handled will be fundamental in determining the direction of the country in the coming years. In conclusion, the situation between Silvia Abad and Daniel Noboa is a clear reflection of the tensions faced by women in Ecuadorian politics. Abad's complaint not only calls into question her relationship with the president but also underscores the need to address and eradicate political gender violence in a country seeking to consolidate a more inclusive and just democracy.