Presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio was killed in the capital of Ecuador, Quito

Presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio was killed in Ecuador.

This was reported by the Attorney General's Office of Ecuador.

On August 9, after Villavicencio's election rally, a shooting occurred, as a result of which the presidential candidate was fatally wounded in the head.

According to the Attorney General's Office, nine other people were injured, including two police officers. The Prosecutor's Office says the suspected killer was shot dead in a shootout with security forces.

Villavicencio was one of eight presidential candidates. Previously, he worked as an investigative journalist and covered corruption issues in Ecuador. This became the main focus of Villavicencio's campaign. "It's time for the brave" was his campaign slogan.

On August 4, Villavicencio's campaign press service reported that the candidate would continue to tour the provinces of Ecuador despite the threats he "continues to receive from criminal groups."

Pre-term presidential and parliamentary elections will be held in Ecuador on August 20.