Party strategies and performances in the 2019 Provincial Elections in Ecuador

Abstract

This article investigates provincial elections in Ecuador and observes the degree to which they can be explained by national factors or whether these elections displayed their own (provincial) dynamics. Using a novel typology of parties based on their territorial dimension and the presence of provincial parties, it combines an analysis of the supply-side (electoral lists) and of the demand-side (voting behaviour) of these elections. The performance of the main political parties and alliances for the 2014 and 2019 provincial elections is investigated and regression analyses demonstrate that the type of party has a direct impact on its electoral performance. It concludes that provincial parties are important actors in the provincial elections in Ecuador. Provincial parties are the most successful stand-alone type of parties, and when they join an electoral alliance with other political parties, their benefcial effect on election results is reinforced.