Ecuador: Constitutional referendum February 4

Event

The official campaign period ahead of the constitutional referendum scheduled for February 4 begins on Wednesday, January 3. The referendum has been called for by President Lenín Moreno, with the main goal of implementing a presidential term limit that would effectively bar former President Rafael Correa from running for office in the country's next presidential elections - scheduled for 2021. Protests both in favor and against the proposed amendments are to be anticipated in the coming days and weeks.

Former President Correa, currently living in Belgium, is expected to arrive in Ecuador on January 4 to campaign for the “no” camp. Correa has referred to the referendum as coup attempt, calling it illegal. His visit could prompt demonstrations amid high sociopolitical tensions. Minor clashes broke out between supporters and protesters awaiting Correa at Guayaquil Airport (GYE) on November 25 during a previous visit to the country.

The campaign period will officially come to an end on February 1.

Context

Correa has been living in Belgium with his Belgian wife since his term ended in May 2017. He has been linked to corruption scandals related to the energy multinationals Odebrecht and PetroChina. Tensions have been high between Correa and Moreno, despite the two being from the same political party, the leftist Alianza PAIS. Correa has described Moreno as a sheep in wolf’s clothing following the arrest of Ecuador’s Vice President Jorge Glas, who was sentenced to six years in prison in December 2017, also in connection with the Odebrecht scandal. Glas is accused of accepting bribes while serving under Correa.

Advice

Individuals in Ecuador are advised to keep abreast of the sociopolitical climate and avoid all protests as a precaution.