Saturday, November 4, 2023

Ecuador Legislators Sue as August Elections Loom

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Ecuador’s political opposition has filed a lawsuit against President Guillermo Lasso’s decision to dissolve the National Assembly instead of facing impeachment proceedings. The move comes after Lasso invoked a constitutional provision known as the “two-way death,” which dissolved the assembly and triggered new presidential and legislative elections. The lawsuit argues that Lasso’s action violated the constitution because there was no social upheaval in the country. The president’s decision came a day after the opposition-controlled National Assembly began its second impeachment proceedings against him, centred on allegations that he turned a blind eye to an embezzlement scheme related to the state-owned oil transportation company Flopec. Lasso has denied any accusations of corruption and will remain in office until his successor and a new legislature are elected, which can last for up to six months. The National Electoral Council is required to set a date for presidential and legislative elections within seven days of Lasso’s decision, with a tentative date of August 20.

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