Christian Social Party Ecuador

The Christian Social Party (PSC) is a political party in Ecuador with roots tracing back to its founding in 1951 as the Christian Social Movement by Camilo Ponce Enríquez and Sixto Durán Ballén. Initially centered in Quito, the party gained stronger influence in coastal regions, particularly around Guayaquil and provinces like Guayas, El Oro, Los Ríos, and Manabi, home to about half of Ecuador's population. However, its political power remains limited in the Andean region. Throughout its history, the PSC has experienced internal divisions and shifts in alliances. In 1978, a centrist-left wing split off to form the Popular Democracy party under Osvaldo Hurtado. Later, Jaime Nebot emerged as a key figure within the PSC, leading the party in presidential elections. However, splits occurred again when Durán Ballén left to form the Republican Union, eventually winning the presidency from 1992–1996. The PSC has participated in multiple presidential and legislative elections without securing the presidency since León Febres Cordero's term (1984–88). In 2002, its candidate, Xavier Neira, won 12.2% of the vote but did not advance to the runoff. Similarly, Cynthia Viteri in the 2006 election garnered 9.91%, also failing to reach the second round. The party's legislative representation dropped significantly after the 2006 elections. Post-2006, Jaime Nebot led the PSC into a coalition called "Madera de Guerrero," positioning it as the third force in the National Assembly. In the 2021 general elections, the PSC allied with Guillermo Lasso's Creating Opportunities party, which ultimately won the presidency. For the 2023 election, ...