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Ecuador confirms early general elections for August 20

Ecuador confirms early general elections for August 20

The ecuadorians must go to the polls on August 20 to elect the president and 137 deputies in early elections after the dissolution of congressthe National Electoral Council (CNE) reported on Wednesday.

A week ago, the right-wing president Guillermo Lasso dissolved the unicameral National Assembly making use of its constitutional power, which contemplates early elections to complete the current four-year period, which expires in May 2025.

The ruler decreed the dissolution by a “serious political crisis and internal commotion” in the middle of the political trial to which he was subjected by the opposition majority of the Legislative, who accused him of embezzlement.

In a session held on Tuesday night and which lasted until dawn, the CNE approved early elections to be held on August 20.

If necessary, the run-off was scheduled for next October 15, according to a calendar released to the press by the highest electoral body.

Ecuador’s President Guillermo Lasso speaks during his impeachment trial at the National Assembly headquarters in Quito on May 16, 2023. (Photo by Rodrigo Buendia / AFP)

The delivery of credentials to the assembly members is scheduled for October 26, according to the calendar released to the press by the highest electoral body, which will call for elections through radio and television on Wednesday night to comply with the law.

The National Assembly has the power to install the president.

Legislators must then “self-summon immediately” to take office, the head of the CNE, Diana Atamaint, told the Ecuavisa channel on Wednesday.

For the elections of mayors and prefects last February, 13.4 million of the 18.2 million Ecuadorians were summoned.

Police forces stand guard in front of the National Assembly in Quito after Ecuador's President Guillermo Lasso on May 17, 2023. (Photo by Rodrigo BUENDIA / AFP)
Police forces stand guard in front of the National Assembly in Quito after Ecuador’s President Guillermo Lasso on May 17, 2023. (Photo by Rodrigo BUENDIA / AFP)

Lassoa former conservative banker who governed with an opposition Congress controlled by sectors of the left and whose credibility fell to 10% in two years, will be able to run again without being re-elected, according to electoral authorities.

Despite the insecurity linked to drug trafficking, Ecuador lives in calm after the dissolution of the Legislative, which traditionally registers a high level of citizen distrust.

Institutional credibility in the National Assembly dissolved was 2%, according to the private polling firm Perfiles de Opinión.

The Magna Carta in force since 2008 allows re-election only once.

Source: AFP

Source: Gestion

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