CNE holds public draw for upcoming Guayaquil Mayoral debate rules and candidate order

The National Electoral Council (CNE) conducted a public draw on Friday, November 13, 2026, to establish the rules and candidate order for the upcoming Guayaquil Mayoral debate. The session took place at the Guayas Provincial Electoral Delegation and was witnessed by Notary 26 of Guayaquil, Francisco Briones Jiménez. During the proceedings, officials conducted a total of nine public draws to organize the upcoming electoral events.

The scheduled debate for the Mayor of Guayaquil is set for Sunday, November 22, 2026. The broadcast is expected to begin at 20:00 and will last approximately 90 minutes. Eight candidates will participate in the single continuous broadcast. The stage positions for the candidates, from left to right, were determined by the draw as follows: Pedro Medina, Antonio García, Susana Santistevan, Andrés Roche, Mónica Luzárraga, Cynthia Viteri, Fiorella Ycaza, and Héctor Baldeón.

Debate structure and themes

The debate will focus on four specific thematic axes: public services and risk management, citizen security, integrity and public resources, and economic development. The format for these discussions varies depending on the topic. In the segment regarding public services and risk management, the candidates will ask each other direct questions. For the segments concerning citizen security and integrity, the National Debate Committee will provide the initial questions, which will then be followed by interpellations between the candidates.

National Electoral Council counselor José Merino stated that "debates aim to allow candidates to present their proposals to citizens and that democracy involves explaining power rather than just asking for it."

Electoral context and upcoming events

The debate is part of the mandatory electoral calendar for the 2027 sectional elections. In addition to the Guayaquil Mayoral draw, the National Electoral Council also held a public draw on November 13, 2026, for the Guayas Prefectural candidates.

The lineup includes several notable political figures. Andrés Roche is a candidate for the Social Christian Party (PSC), while Fiorella Ycaza is a candidate for the Socialist Party. Cynthia Viteri, who previously governed Guayaquil with the Social Christian Party (PSC), is now representing National Democratic Action (ADN).

While the rules and candidate order are now finalized, the specific venue for the Guayaquil Mayoral event has not yet been confirmed, officials said.

Glossary

• Socialist Party — The Socialist Party is a political entity that fielded a presidential candidate in the 1984 Ecuadorian general election. In 1995, it merged with FADI to form the Socialist Party – Broad Front of Ecuador.
• National Electoral Council (CNE) — The National Electoral Council (CNE) is an organization that conducts public draws to establish rules and candidate orders for electoral events. It manages the mandatory electoral calendar for elections.
• thematic axes — Thematic axes are specific topics or areas of focus for discussions. In the context of the debate, they include public services and risk management, citizen security, integrity and public resources, and economic development.
• interpellations — Interpellations are a means of parliamentary control used to hold the government accountable for actions or omissions. In a debate format, they occur between candidates following initial questions.
• Social Christian Party (PSC) — The Social Christian Party (PSC) is a political party. It is represented by candidates in the electoral process.