Ecuador’s President Guillermo Lasso announced Wednesday the dissolution of the National Assembly and the call for early elections. In a national radio and television broadcast, Lasso invoked Article 148 of the Constitution, which gives him the power to dissolve the legislature in situations of political crisis and internal upheaval.
The president explained that the decision is based on the need to move forward without obstacles in the midst of an Assembly that, according to him, seeks to destabilize the Government and democracy. Lasso emphasized that this measure returns decision-making power to the Ecuadorian people, since legislative and presidential elections will be brought forward. The National Electoral Council has seven days to call the elections.
During the electoral process and until the inauguration of the new authorities, the president will rule by decrees for a period of six months, in accordance with article 148 of the Constitution. In addition to the dissolution of the Assembly, Lasso issued Executive Decree 741 on cross-death and Executive Decree 742, which proposes the “Organic Law for the Strengthening of the Family Economy” and will be sent to the Constitutional Court for evaluation.
Guillermo Lasso said that this measure will allow the Government to focus on meeting the needs of Ecuadorian families and recovering hope and tranquility. With this action, Lasso becomes the first president to declare cross-death in Ecuador.
The impeachment against him
The announcement of the dissolution of the National Assembly came as an impeachment trial was underway against him. Guillermo Lasso is accused of embezzlement (embezzlement of public funds) for a contract signed during the previous government. The president called the impeachment trial baseless and said his accusers seek to take over the presidency and usurp the powers of the state.
The contract in question was signed between the state-owned company Flota Petrolera Ecuatoriana (Flopec) and the international company Amazonas Tanker Pool. Although the case dates back to 2018, during the government of Lenin Moreno, Lasso is accused of having signed a new contract last year despite the recommendations of the Comptroller General of the State. Losses to the public sector are estimated at $6 million.
Lasso has denied the existence of contracts or addenda signed during his government and has described the impeachment as a process without evidence and illegal. After the dissolution of the Assembly, the president assured that the country continues to function normally and that the Armed Forces, the National Police and the private sector maintain their usual activities.