Lenín Moreno, the presidential candidate for the ruling Alianza País (AP), took a calculated risk last week by refusing to attend a televised debate with his seven rivals ahead of general elections on 19 February. President Rafael Correa never participated in debates with candidates from the political opposition which he routinely denigrated as the partidocracia throughout his 10-year term. Correa, who enjoyed a high level of popularity for much of that time, argued that through his ‘Citizens’ Revolution’ he could govern for, and relate to, the people directly. But, with a new face at the helm, there is an argument that the “citizens” in the revolution might need reacquainting with what it stands for. Opinion polls suggest that Moreno’s support remains short of 50% of the vote, or 40% plus a 10-percentage point lead over his nearest rival, required to win in the first round.End of preview - This article contains approximately 721 words.
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