ELN denies interference in Ecuadorian presidential elections

Bogota, February 2 (RHC)-- The Colombian insurgency of the National Liberation Army (ELN) denied to Semana Magazine that they are financing the campaign of the presidential candidates for the Unidad por la Esperanza (UNES) Andrés Arauz and Carlos Rabascall.

The ELN branded the publication of Semana as a manipulation that has no basis whatsoever, "in the last week the intelligence agencies of the Colombian state have spread false news, in which they present us as if we were interfering in the internal affairs of Ecuador," they added.  "We reject that the government of Ivan Duque encourages this information war to interfere in the election process underway in neighboring Ecuador," the rebel organization points out.

The ELN reiterates that Semana Magazine obeys the Colombian Executive in this manipulation against the Ecuadorian population on the eve of the presidential elections in that country, "constitutes a flagrant violation of the principle of national self-determination enshrined in the Political Constitution of Colombia," they add.

"Towards the people of Ecuador we maintain our respect and gratitude for having been guarantor and host of rounds of Peace Talks in previous years," they conclude. 

Although the ELN denies its accusations to Semana magazine, the media has not yet pronounced itself on the matter.  However, former president Rafael Correa, asserted that they intend to create a lawfare against the presidential ticket of Arauz-Rabascall, who are leading the voting intention for the elections of next Sunday.