2023-05-17 13:14:49
The President of Ecuador, Guillermo Lasso, threatened with dismissal, decreed, this Wednesday, May 17, the dissolution of Congress (National Assembly), which implies the celebration of early elections.
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The unpopular right-wing president, accused by the legislative opposition of alleged corruption in oil transport contracts, ordered “dissolve the National Assembly due to a serious political crisis and internal commotion“, says the document released by the Presidency.
In a country mired in drug-related violence and the popular discontent over the cost of living, Lasso asked the National Electoral Council (CNE) to call early general elections.
The Constitution establishes that in a maximum period of seven days after the publication of the decree of dissolution In the Official Registry, the electoral body will call legislative and presidential elections to complete the current four-year term.
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“It is a democratic decision not only because it is constitutional, but also because it gives back to the Ecuadorian people the possibility of deciding“, expressed Lasso in national chain.
88 legislators voted on May 10 in favor of continue with the impeachment and the opposition maintained control of the National Assembly in an internal mid-term vote on May 14.
The ruler appeared, on Tuesday, May 16, before the National Assembly to defend himself against the accusations of course embezzlement.
According to the complaints, Lasso decided to continue with a contract that was signed before he took office, despite reports that it was detrimental to the state.
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The contract for the transportation of crude oil with the international group amazon tanker left losses of more than 6 million dollars.
The president has not been prosecuted for any crime in ordinary justice and assured that he filed a complaint with the Prosecutor’s Office in 2022 to investigate the case.
With the dissolution of Congress, Lasso avoids the impeachment.
Ecuadorian protesters against the government of Guillermo Lasso EFE/ José Jácome
Until the installation of the new National Assembly, Lasso may govern by issuing decree-laws of economic urgency, but prior favorable opinion of the Constitutional Court.
This is the first time that a president applies the so-called ‘cross death’, which can be exercised only once during the first three years of the mandate.
Parliament had tried last June to remove Lasso amid violent indigenous protests against the high cost of living, but fell short of 12 votes to remove him from power.
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