“We are mobilizing to Ecuador. Here’s why.”

At the invitation of the National Electoral Council, the Progressive International arrives in Quito today with a delegation of electoral observers committed to safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process and to support the Ecuadorian people in exercising their rights without fear, intimidation, or manipulation of the institutions provided to them by their democratic Constitution.

The observer mission of the Progressive International lands in Ecuador at a time of accelerated economic, social, and political crisis.

First and foremost, the country today is grappling with a severe challenge of security, marked by a homicide rate of 38.7 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2024—one of the highest in the region.

Political violence has also surged, with over 30 politicians assassinated in recent years, including presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio in 2023. Additionally, Ecuador has spent more than 250 days under a state of exception in 2024 alone, covering 68% of the year.

These conditions underscore the fragility of the current political environment and the urgent need for a credible and transparent electoral process.

The Progressive International Observatory has identified several areas of concern that require immediate attention from both domestic and international actors in order to ensure the integrity of the elections.

First, the legal framework governing the elections must be upheld without exception. Article 146 of Ecuador’s Constitution requires public officials, including the President, to take a leave of absence during the campaign period if they are running for re-election and delegate the Presidency to the elected Vice President. Adherence to this rule is essential to prevent the misuse of state resources and to ensure a level playing field for all candidates. Reports that President Daniel Noboa has not formally requested this leave raise serious questions about compliance with electoral norms and risks, creating an uneven playing field.

The Constitutional Court, for its part, has already ruled the unconstitutionality of Executive Decrees 500 and 505, through which Noboa entrusted the Vice-Presidency due to “force majeure”. This ruling, combined with the Court’s indecision with respect to Executive Decree 449, opens the dangerous possibility of a true Constitutional crisis in Ecuador in the midst of its tense electoral process.

Second, the independence and impartiality of electoral and judicial institutions must be preserved. The disqualification of candidates, such as Jan Topic, based on confidential government reports, has raised concerns about the transparency of these decisions. Furthermore, the recent raid on the Council of Citizen Participation and Social Control (CPCCS)—a key institution responsible for overseeing electoral authorities—has fueled fears of political interference. These actions risk undermining public trust in the fairness of the electoral process.

Third, the use of state resources in the electoral campaign must be carefully monitored. Programs like "Jóvenes en Acción," which provides $400 monthly to 80,000 young people during the campaign period, have been criticized for lacking clear oversight and for being linked to the campaign website of President Noboa. Similarly, the distribution of induction stoves through the Ministry of Inclusion has raised concerns about the potential misuse of public funds for electoral purposes. Such practices, if not properly regulated, risk distorting the electoral landscape and eroding trust in the process.

Fourth, the role of the military and security forces in the electoral process must remain strictly within their constitutional mandate. Reports that military officials may have access to the electoral system’s database have sparked fears of potential interference in the vote count. The armed forces must remain neutral and apolitical, focusing solely on maintaining security and order during the elections. Any overreach risks undermining the credibility of the electoral results.

Finally, the protection of political rights and freedoms is essential. All candidates, parties, and civil society organizations must be able to participate in the electoral process without fear of harassment, intimidation, or persecution. The criminalization of dissent or the targeting of political opponents through legal or administrative means undermines the democratic process and must be avoided. The recent denunciations against opposition figures and the raid on the CPCCS are troubling signs that require immediate attention.

The Progressive International Observatory calls on all stakeholders — including the government, electoral authorities, political parties, and civil society — to work together to address these concerns and to ensure that the 2025 elections are conducted in a manner that reflects the will of the Ecuadorian people.

We also urge the international community, including the Organization of American States (OAS), the European Union, and the United Nations, to provide robust support for the electoral process through observation missions and technical assistance.

The people of Ecuador have the right to choose their leaders in a free, fair, and transparent election. With 13.7 million eligible voters and 4,463 candidates competing for 158 positions, the stakes could not be higher.

The integrity of the democratic process must be protected, not only for the sake of Ecuador but as a testament to the resilience of democracy in the face of global challenges.

The Progressive International Observatory stands ready to support this vital endeavor and to uphold the principles of democracy, justice, and equality that are at the heart of our mission.

Progressive International Observatory

February 2025