The International Monetary Fund described Ecuador?s public finances as "fragile" a year before the national elections. Trevor Alleyne, head of an IMF mission visiting Ecuador, said his group is "going to hold conversations with the government over the necessity for a careful management of the public finances, especially taking into account presidential elections set for next year that will create additional pressures on the treasury." Alleyne further voiced concern over the government?s medium-term financing following recent acts by congress and the growing pressure from various sectors, including retirees and teachers, for bigger public funding. (Source: IMF Mission Says It Is Concerned About Ecuador's Finances/Dow Jones Newswires)