The party of murdered Ecuadorian presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio has changed its decision on his successor in the upcoming elections.

The Build Ecuador Movement revealed at a news conference that it would field journalist Christian Zurita in next Sunday’s presidential elections.

Initially, the party had said on Saturday that Villavicencio’s running mate Andrea González Náder would run for president in his place following the candidate’s assassination.

“In the absence of clear answers from the CNE, and given the angry reaction from some political circles, we will not take any risks,” the party said.

Access24 reports that Villavicencio was shot dead on Wednesday after an election rally in Quito.

At least nine people were injured in the attack, and one suspect died of injuries after an exchange of gunfire with security forces.

Six suspects, all men from neighbouring Colombia, were remanded in custody.

Meanwhile, Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso imposed a state of emergency for 60 days.

At the news conference, Zurita and Gónzalez Náder wore bulletproof vests.

Early presidential and parliamentary elections will be held in the South American country on August 20.