Ecuador - Leadership



With no previous experience in elected office and with a short political career resulting from his involvement in a popular protest, Gutiérrez's leadership skills have been untested. The political party he founded only captured two of the one hundred seats in the unicameral legislature. The indigenous party that allied with Gutiérrez clinched an additional five seats. Altogether, the new president began his term with the support of less than 10% of the legislators. Because the political party he formed was solely designed to provide a presidential platform for himself, Gutiérrez needed to transform his electoral victory into a durable political support base. His appointment of cabinet ministers reflected his effort to build a wider base of support. Yet, he leads an eclectic

Ecuador

coalition of conservatives, liberals, socialists, and indigenous advocates that may be perceived as lacking cohesion.

During his short political life, Gutiérrez has not built a reputation as a consensus builder, nor has he successfully proven that he can effectively work with the politicians he so heartily campaigned against. His supporters claim that he has not been given the chance; they contend that he will prove as successful leading the government as he proved running a political campaign. Without question, Gutiérrez's leadership skills will be tested when he is forced to take a stance on specific legislative initiatives favored by some within his coalition and strongly opposed by others. Gutiérrez has vowed to advocate for what is best for all Ecuadorans, a pledge that may prove easier to make than to implement. Regional conflicts between the agendas of the probusiness port city of Guayaquil elite and the more conservative and traditional Quito elite have in the past proved fatal for the political careers of inexperienced presidents. In addition, by portraying himself as the advocate of indigenous Ecuadorans, Gutiérrez may stir up class and ethnic tensions that will not contribute to consensus-building and democratic consolidation.

Also read article about Ecuador from Wikipedia

User Contributions:

Comment about this article, ask questions, or add new information about this topic: