Controversy in Ecuador over the sexist statements of an electoral candidate

MADRID, 1 Ago. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The candidate for the elections to the Ecuadorian prefecture of Guayas Héctor Vanegas has been involved in controversy after making sexist comments during a rally of the Democratic Center party held on Saturday.

"When I walk the streets, the females come out and they don't take out their handkerchiefs but their pants," Vanegas assured at an electoral act, according to a video broadcast by the Ecuadorian newspaper 'La Hora'.

Vanegas, who is running for the Guayas prefecture elections to be held on February 5, 2023, has been singled out by hundreds of users on social media, who have accused him of being "macho" and "disrespectful."

Hours later, the candidate himself shared a video apologizing for his comment, alleging that "he got carried away by the emotion of being on a platform."

"I said it at the beginning, I am not a politician, I am in fact perhaps the most politically incorrect thing that will be on the electoral ballot. Politicians, when they make mistakes, do not apologize for those mistakes, they justify it. I am going to apologize for this my mistake because I am a citizen, I am not a politician," Vanegas expressed in the video.

"I apologize first to the woman, to society, to my mother, my wife and my daughter here present. I have seen the viral video with my family and it is true that it exceeds everything allowed and contradicts my defense and fight in favor of women", she added, according to 'Metro Ecuador'.

The electoral candidate has thanked the people who "have raised their voices of protest", and has asked that they allow him "to offer this apology". "That old political style must always be condemned," he has declared.