Ecuadorian presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio has been shot and killed by an unidentified gunman whereas at a political rally in Quito.

The killing comes amid an alarming wave of violence within the nation, with drug trafficking and violent killings on the rise.

Incumbent president, Guillermo Lasso, steered an organised crime gang was behind the killing.

Mr Villavicencio was considered one of eight candidates within the 20 August presidential vote, although not the frontrunner.

"I assure you that this crime will not go unpunished," Mr Lasso stated in a press release.

"Organised crime has gone too far, but they will feel the full weight of the law."

Ecuador's lawyer basic's workplace stated a suspect within the assassination died of wounds after being arrested by authorities.

Videos on social media seem to point out the candidate strolling out of the occasion surrounded by guards.

They then present Villavicencio getting into a white truck adopted by gunfire, data that was confirmed by Patricio Zuquilanda, Mr Villavicencio's marketing campaign adviser.

Mr Zuquilanda stated the candidate had acquired demise threats earlier than the taking pictures, which he had reported to authorities and resulted in a single detention.

He known as on worldwide authorities to take motion towards the violence, attributing it to drug trafficking.

"The Ecuadorian people are crying and Ecuador is mortally wounded," he stated.

"Politics cannot lead to the death of any member of society."

Police confirmed that a number of others had been injured, together with officers, describing the incident as a terrorist act and promising to resolve the killing.

The politician, 59, was the candidate for the Build Ecuador Movement.

He was one of the vital voices towards corruption, particularly throughout the federal government of former president Rafael Correa from 2007 to 2017.

He filed many judicial complaints towards excessive rating members of the Correa authorities.

He was married and is survived by 5 kids

Content Source: information.sky.com