Candidate in Ecuador’s presidential election Fernando Villavicencio shot dead

Fernando Villavicencio, a candidate in Ecuador’s upcoming presidential elections, has been shot dead at a campaign rally. 

Villavicencio, a member of the country’s national assembly, campaigned against corruption and gangs. He was attacked as he left the event in the capital, Quito, on Wednesday. 

He is one of the few candidates who have alleged there are links between organised crime and government officials in Ecuador. 

According to witnesses, Villavicencio was shot three times. A member of his campaign team told local media the candidate was getting into a car when a man stepped forward and shot him in the head. 

Villavicencio, 59, was a serving congressman and former journalist.

A state of emergency has been declared following the candidate’s assassination.