Political leader in Ecuador is killed less than a week after presidential candidate’s assassination

A solider monitors vehicle traffic on the National Unity Bridge that connects the town of Duran with Guayaquil, Ecuador. Picture: AP

The unprecedented violence shaking Ecuador claimed the life of another political leader Monday, bringing the number of politics-related slayings within the last four weeks to three, including that of a presidential candidate.

The fatal shooting of Pedro Briones, a local leader of Revolución Ciudadana, the party of former President Rafael Correa, was confirmed by Luisa González, the frontrunner in Sunday’s special presidential election and member of the same party.