Azuay Mayoral Candidacies Confirmed for 2027 Elections, Cuenca Sees Key Changes

The political landscape in Azuay province is taking shape for the upcoming 2027 sectional elections, scheduled for Sunday, November 28, 2026. As of September 18, 2026, the Azuay Provincial Electoral Board confirmed 86 candidacies for the 15 mayoralties across the province. Four additional candidacies were still under review at that time.

In Cuenca, significant developments have occurred. Cristian Zamora Matute, the suspended mayor, was unable to register his candidacy for re-election. This follows a confirmation by the Electoral Contentious Tribunal (TCE) that he committed political gender violence against a councilwoman, resulting in the loss of his political participation rights. Zamora has since endorsed Juan Cristóbal Lloret, a former prefect of Azuay, who is now seeking to lead the city.

Adding to the competitive field in Cuenca, former mayors Marcelo Cabrera (who served from 2005-2009 and 2014-2019) and Pedro Palacios (2019-2023) are both candidates aiming to regain control of the city in these elections.

Across Azuay, at least 12 mayoral candidates are seeking re-election or to remain in office. In nine of the 15 cantons, at least one candidate has previously led the municipality. For instance, in Camilo Ponce Enríquez, current mayor Magali Sánchez seeks to remain in office, having initially assumed the role by subrogation after the assassination of the elected mayor, José Sánchez. Patricio Sánchez Narea, elected mayor in 2002 and 2009, is also seeking re-election in the canton.

Five cantons—Nabón, Oña, Chordeleg, El Pan, and Paute—are set to have new mayors, as no re-election candidates have registered in these areas. The candidacies of Anahiz Guzmán (El Pan), Segundo Toledo (Paute), Ernesto Guerrero (Santa Isabel), and Gladys Criollo Chuñir (San Fernando) are among those still under review by the provincial delegation of the National Electoral Council (CNE).

Sources: elmercurio.com.ec.

Image: existing site image, illustrative.