Ecuador’s top court clears Noboa’s bid for constituent assembly referendum
Ecuador’s Constitutional Court has approved President Daniel Noboa’s revised proposal to hold a referendum on whether the country should draft a new constitution.
The decision paves the way for citizens to decide if Ecuador will embark on the process of establishing a Constituent Assembly, which would potentially deliver the nation’s 21st constitution since independence in 1830.
The ruling followed adjustments made by Noboa’s government to the framework for electing assembly members and defining electoral districts. In a statement, the Court said the corrections complied with constitutional standards and stressed that the choice of adopting a new charter “belongs exclusively to the Ecuadorian people”.
With the green light from the Court, Noboa’s administration can now issue a presidential decree to call the vote. Under Ecuadorian law, the National Electoral Council would then have 15 days to summon the referendum, which must be held within 60 days. The ballot will also include previously approved reforms on political party financing and the presence of foreign military bases in Ecuador.
The move comes amid heightened political tensions. Noboa, recently re-elected with 55.6% of the vote, faces strong opposition from the leftist Revolución Ciudadana movement led by former president Rafael Correa. Correa has rejected the idea of a new constitution and framed the referendum as an opportunity to challenge Noboa’s hold on power.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
