Bucaram Ortiz, Abdala

▪ 1997

      Campaigning in 1996 under the name El Loco ("The Madman"), Abdalá Bucaram Ortíz seemed an unlikely choice for president of Ecuador. The flamboyant politician traveled with a rock band, often singing "Jailhouse Rock," a song associated with Elvis Presley, before his speeches. His unconventional style, however, and his attacks on the wealthy business establishment proved popular with the country's eight million poor, who helped elect him president on July 7, 1996.

      Bucaram was born on Feb. 20, 1952, in Guayaquil, Ecuador. An accomplished athlete, he was a member of Ecuador's track and field team and competed as a hurdler in the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, Ger. He earned a law degree at the State University in Guayaquil but turned his attention to politics after his uncle became prominent in the populist movement. In 1982 Bucaram founded the leftist Ecuadorian Roldosist Party (PRE), and two years later he was elected mayor of Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city. His two terms in office were marked by controversy. Businessmen accused him of extortion, claiming that he demanded money and harassed those who refused to pay. Bucaram called the payments donations. In 1985 his criticism of the Ecuadoran army resulted in a warrant for his arrest. Bucaram fled to Panama, where he was arrested for cocaine possession but was not convicted. He claimed that rivals had planted the drugs on him. In 1987 he was allowed to return to Ecuador, and he ran for the presidency in 1988 and 1992. Though he was unsuccessful in both bids, election returns showed that he had won a surprisingly large number of votes.

      In the 1996 elections, with Rosalia Arteaga as his running mate, Bucaram focused on the gap separating the rich and the poor. He criticized the "oligarchy," which he defined as wealthy businesses and banks, and campaigned for social welfare programs and the construction of new housing. In a country where 67% of the people were poor, it was a popular platform. After the May 19 election, Bucaram and Jaime Nebot of the Social Christian Party were declared eligible for the second-round runoff. Nebot, who was supported by businesses and banks, was favoured to win. Critics cited Bucaram's vague economic policy and the fear that he would discourage investors, particularly foreigners, as major weaknesses in his campaign. His promise of change, however, galvanized much of the electorate. In the July elections Bucaram won by a comfortable margin, capturing 54.5% of the votes.

      After his victory Bucaram, a man noted for his unpredictability, moderated his populist rhetoric, leaving many to wonder if he would abandon his campaign promises. While Ecuador awaited the answer, it seemed clear that Bucaram's presidency would hold numerous surprises.

      (AMY TIKKANEN)

* * *