Statement on the political and electoral situation in Ecuador

El CLACSO Working Group on Regional Integration and Latin American Unity In light of and following the events in Ecuador following the first round of elections in February 2021, and in relation to the internal and external factors affecting the stability and continuity of democracy for the second round in April 2021, we express the following:

For full democracy and the revitalization of Latin American integration and unity processes, the rule of law, due process, respect for institutions, and guarantees for exercising rights and assuming obligations are essential. All these principles govern both international law and the current constitutional and legal framework of the Ecuadorian legal and electoral system.

However, we note with great concern, in the Ecuadorian and regional context, the repeated political use of the law and its institutions, as well as the politicization of the judiciary, persecution, and external political interference. Likewise, the dollarization currently in place in Ecuador and the subjugation and dependence imposed on its economy by international lending institutions are generating simultaneous fiscal and balance of payments crises. All of these factors were present in the context of the last electoral contest; therefore, we believe that the National Electoral Council must guarantee the credibility, transparency, and certainty of its actions and resolutions in favor of democracy.

These violations of citizens' rights and obligations constitute clear evidence of disrespect for democratic principles, generate uncertainty and instability, and run counter to the wishes of the majority of the Ecuadorian people. Likewise, we note with great concern new forms of violence and the resurgence of classist or racial hatred, which exponentially increase the likelihood of confrontation and discord at a time when we need the capacity for convergence and common causes to achieve national and Latin American integration and unity.

Just like CLACSO Working Group We urge all actors and sectors in Ecuador to fully respect the election results, ensuring effective guarantees for exercising rights and/or challenging results if there is evidence and legal grounds, not merely factual ones. Radical and reasonable democratic principles, along with full respect for democratic principles, are essential to creating conditions for stability and transforming democracy as a fundamental factor in our integration.

We maintain an active observance of these events and call upon the conscience and will of Latin America to consolidate ourselves as the continent of peace and democracy.

February 18th 2021
CLACSO Working Group
Regional integration and Latin American unity

This statement expresses the position of the aforementioned Working Group Regional integration and Latin American unity and not necessarily that of the centers and institutions that make up the CLACSO international network, its Steering Committee or its Executive Secretariat.