Security Message for U.S. Citizens
Ecuadorian Presidential Run-Off Election
April 8, 2021
Location: Nationwide.
Event: The Ecuadorian presidential run-off election will be held on April 11. There is the potential for large demonstrations across the country following the election. The U.S. Embassy urges you to exercise extra vigilance when moving about Ecuador during the week after the election. Avoid areas that have previously attracted large election-related gatherings, such as the area around the Consejo Nacional Electoral (CNE) election-night headquarters located at the intersection of Avenida 12 de Octubre and Luis Cordero, the CNE Quito office near Avenida Eloy Alfaro and Avenida 6 de Diciembre, provincial CNE offices, Avenida de los Shyris to the east of Parque Carolina, and the Plaza Grande de la Independencia across from the Presidential Palace.
Actions to Take:
- Avoid crowds.
- Monitor local media for updates on road closures.
- Consider alternative routes.
- Maintain increased vigilance.
- If you accidentally enter an area with an ongoing demonstration, turn around immediately and depart if possible.
- If you are in your vehicle and become trapped in a demonstration, stay inside, shut off the motor, and close/lock all doors and windows. Stay calm and remain in your vehicle as long as it remains safe to do so. If forced out of your vehicle or if suddenly enveloped by a demonstration while on foot, seek shelter or refuge in any available open building and wait for the crowd to disperse or take advantage of any safe opportunity to depart the area.
- If you feel you are in imminent danger, contact local authorities by calling 911.
- Ensure adequate supplies of water, food, medications, cash and fuel.
- U.S. citizens should continue to comply with all local movement restrictions.
Assistance
- U.S. Embassy Quito, Ecuador
Ave. Avigiras E12-170 y Ave. Eloy Alfaro
+(593)(2) 398-5000
ACSQuito@state.gov - U.S. Consulate General Guayaquil, Ecuador
Santa Ana St. and Jose Rodriguez Bonin Ave., San Eduardo
+(593)(4) 371-7000
ACSGuayaquil@state.gov