Alvaro Noboa

Alvaro Noboa does not rule out a fifth presidential bid

It was past 8pm when the four-time presidential candidate arrived. He greeted each guest and took time to listen their opinions. Assembly Member Vicente Taiano; PRIAN founder Wilson Sanchez; TC Television interviewer Rodolfo Baquerizo; fashion entrepreneur Cecilia Niemes; and hundreds of guests welcomed him standing. They listened the 18 minutes it took Noboa to read “What I believe,” which contains his personal and business creed. He brought it to the attention of Ecuadorians so they will join him to fight “together every day to make our dreams come true.”  

He read the text that had already made public through purchased media space. “I believe in freedom and in those who fight for it. I believe we are all equals before the law: I believe in justice and the independence of the courts of justice..."

Noboa is not ruling out a fifth presidential bid. “I never know,” he replied when asked if he was embarking upon a new presidential race. But his close allies say that is what the businessman is aiming for.  Noboa lost the 2006 election runoff against Rafael Correa, and again in 2009, together with his wife Anabella Azin. Earlier, in 1998, he had run with PRE, losing to Jamil Mahuad. In 2002, he lost in the second round against Lucio Gutierrez.

During the dialogue with the media Tuesday evening, he agreed the state of emergency must be declared regarding the banana sector as it is “indeed facing a crisis.” Although he added that, as an exporter, he pays producers official prices.