Ecuadorian presidential candidate Juan Iván Cueva, who leads from the "Amigo" movement in the country, has chosen an unconventional platform to connect with citizens: OnlyFans.
Cueva, an Electronics and Telecommunications engineer from Loja, justified this choice saying the app allows him to speak "without censorship" about the country's reality.
The reactions
The announcement sparked a wave of diverse reactions. While some praised the candidate's creativity and boldness in seeking alternative ways to reach the public, others criticized the choice of a platform primarily associated with adult content.
Supporters argue this strategy could attract younger, tech-savvy voters, while skeptics worry it might distract from pressing national issues. Comments like "Way to go, Juan Iván!" "Great idea," and "Let's talk without filters" filled the candidate's TikTok profile, mostly applauding this unusual but seemingly effective move.
@juanivanc En mi página azul te voy a hablar sin censura 👀 de los problemas del país y cómo defenderé al Ecuador 🇪🇨 #SomosElCambio #DefendamosAlEcuador
♬ sonido original - JuanIvánCueva
A fresh face in politics
At 39, Cueva is relatively new to politics, having built his career in innovation and technology. He holds an engineering degree in Electronics and Telecommunications from the Technical University of Loja and an MBA from the International University of Ecuador.
His professional experience includes roles at the National Telecommunications Corporation (CNT) and the Ministry of Telecommunications. In August 2024 the Independent Mobilizing Action Generating Opportunities ("Amigo") movement nominated him as their presidential candidate for the 2025 elections, with Cristina Reyes, a former legislator and Andean parliamentarian, as his running mate.
The upcoming elections
The Ecuadorean presidential elections are scheduled for February 2025, with Cueva's OnlyFans move adding a colorful twist to the campaign landscape.
Political analysts note that in an era where social media and digital platforms are crucial to political communication, using OnlyFans could be a strategy to stand out in a crowded electoral field. However, they also warn of the risks of associating a political campaign with platforms that may polarize public opinion.
Cueva emphasized his intention to use OnlyFans as a space for open discussions about proposals and national issues, free from the restrictions he claims are imposed by traditional media. He assured that subscriptions would be free, the content would be suitable for all audiences, and the goal is to foster transparent dialogue with citizens.
Meanwhile, political opponents have seized the controversy to question Cueva's judgment and seriousness as a candidate. Some suggest this is a desperate ploy for attention, while others deem it inappropriate and unprofessional.
Regardless of the criticism, Juan Iván Cueva's foray into OnlyFans has shaken up Ecuador's political scene, sparking debate about the boundaries and possibilities of digital platforms in electoral campaigns.
Time will tell if this innovative strategy will give him an edge at the polls or alienate more conservative voters.
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