Ecuador expels Mexican ambassador after remarks by Lopez Obrador

Ecuador has taken a firm stance against Mexico, demanding the expulsion of its ambassador in Quito amidst escalating tensions following remarks made by Mexican President Andrés Manuel Lopez Obrador regarding Ecuador's 2023 presidential election. The Ecuadorian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Thursday the decision to declare the Mexican ambassador, Raquel Serur Smeke, persona non grata, signaling a diplomatic rift between the two nations.

The catalyst for Ecuador's action stemmed from criticisms levied by President Lopez Obrador concerning the handling of the 2023 presidential election in Ecuador, which was marred by the assassination of a candidate. In response to these comments, Ecuador deemed them as "very unfortunate" and decided to demand the departure of the Mexican ambassador.

President Lopez Obrador's accusations alleged that Ecuadorian authorities exploited the assassination of opposition candidate Fernando Villavicencio on August 9, 2023, to manipulate the election outcome in favor of liberal candidate Daniel Noboa, sidelining leftist candidate Luisa González in the process.

The assassination of Fernando Villavicencio occurred shortly after a campaign rally in northern Quito, just days ahead of the scheduled August 20 election. Despite the arrest of seven suspects in connection with the crime, they met their demise while in prison, further complicating the investigation.

In addition to the diplomatic dispute surrounding the expulsion of the Mexican ambassador, Ecuador is also pressing for the extradition of former Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge Glas. Glas faces charges of embezzlement and has sought refuge in the Mexican embassy since December 17, evading prosecution in Ecuador.

While Ecuador's decision to expel the Mexican ambassador underscores the gravity of the situation, it's worth noting that diplomatic relations between the two countries have not been completely severed. Nevertheless, the rift between Ecuador and Mexico highlights the complexities and sensitivities surrounding international relations, particularly in matters concerning electoral integrity and extradition proceedings. As both nations navigate this diplomatic impasse, the implications for bilateral cooperation and regional dynamics remain uncertain.