Former Ecuadorian president Rafael Correa, who lives in Belgium evading an eight-year prison term for corruption, announced Tuesday he will stand for the vice-president position in next year’s elections.
Correa is to stand as the running mate for economist Andres Arauz, a former minister in his own government, for the Union of Hope (UNES) coalition of left-wing parties, indigenous groups and unions.
“I accept with joy this new responsibility, which I didn’t seek out, nor did I desire,” said Correa during a speech that was streamed on Facebook.
Correa’s candidacy must first be ratified by the National Electoral Council (CNE).
However, Ecuador’s constitution bars those convicted of bribery, illicit enrichment and embezzlement from standing for public office.
It means that his conviction for bribery — in which he was also barred from political participation for 25 years — has ended his political career.
Correa, who insists he’s innocent and the victim of political persecution, was convicted in absentia but has appealed and is awaiting a final verdict on his case.
The 57-year-old served as president from 2007-17, after which he left for Belgium, where his wife was born.
He was found guilty of accepting funds from private businesses for his 2013 election campaign in return for state contracts.
As well as his conviction, he is also wanted for the alleged kidnapping of an opposition lawmaker in 2012 but cannot be tried in absentia on that charge.
While the CNE accepts candidacy inscriptions by internet, the hopefuls must appear in person to formally accept their nomination.
If the CNE accepts his candidacy, Correa would qualify for immunity and would be free to return to Ecuador for the elections.
But a further complication comes in the form of a law passed by his successor and current president, Lenin Moreno, that bars public officials from more than one re-election.
Some argue this means Correa, who served three terms as president, could not be elected to any role.
