Andrea Gonzalez has been named as the replacement presidential candidate for the Build party in Ecuador after the assassination of Fernando Villavicencio. Villavicencio, an ex-lawmaker and journalist who exposed corruption, was fatally shot last week after leaving a campaign event in Quito. The Build party announced on social media that Gonzalez, an environmental activist with no previous political experience, will now represent the party in the upcoming election on August 20th. Six suspects, all Colombian nationals with alleged links to criminal groups, have been charged with Villavicencio's murder and remain in custody.

The assassination of Villavicencio has raised concerns about the growing crime wave in Ecuador, with gangs and drug cartels becoming more prominent. Ecuador's democracy is also facing challenges, with partisan disputes leading to the dissolution of Congress earlier this year. There are fears that the country may become ungovernable or a police state may be imposed to combat the lawlessness.

The Biden administration has condemned Villavicencio's murder and has sent FBI personnel to assist in the investigation. The outcome of the upcoming election and the response to the crime wave will have implications for Ecuador's future stability and its relationship with the United States.