A constitutional provision that allows for the dissolution of government has been triggered by Ecuador’s ailing President Guillermo Lasso, who was about to face an impeachment vote. This politically risky action might lead to unrest in a nation where security is already precarious.

According to a proclamation posted on the presidency website, the Ecuadorian leader used a process known as “mutual death,” which dissolves the National Assembly led by the opposition and calls for immediate elections.

Lasso is permitted to rule by decree until elections for a new president and legislative body are held thanks to the president’s decision to enact muerte cruzada. The president of Ecuador’s Electoral Council, Diana Atamaint, stated that the elections would occur within the following ninety days.

Calls for Lasso’s resignation have become more frequent in recent months as the nation struggles with a high cost of living and a rise in violent crime.

However, the National Assembly’s yesterday-started process of impeaching Lasso has come to an end as a result of the “mutual death” pronouncement. The President was accused by lawmakers of meddling with a shipping contract that was being negotiated for the export of oil exports. He has refuted all accusations and said they are made for political reasons.

On May 16, 2023, Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso activated a constitutional provision that would have ended the country’s government.
On May 16, 2023, Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso activated a constitutional provision that would have ended the country’s government.
Author: Dolores Ochoa
Lasso claimed that his decision to call immediate elections was the “best move to open the door for hope.” He claimed that his choice would end political conflict in the nation and that the turmoil has cost Ecuador millions of dollars.

“This is a new time to be upbeat. In a speech on Wednesday, he urged the populace to work together to create a better future for Ecuador.

Lasso declared, “This is a democratic decision not only because it is constitutional, but also because it gives you the freedom to choose your future.”

Left-wing opposition figure and former president of Ecuador Rafael Correa criticized Lasso’s action on Twitter, calling it “illegal” but also a “great opportunity to get rid of Lasso, his government, and his rented assembly members, and recover the country.”

If Lasso implemented muerte cruzada, large-scale demonstrations were previously promised by Ecuador’s opposition and powerful federation of Indigenous organizations.

As a part of the impeachment procedure against him for alleged corruption, Lasso testifies before the National Assembly on Wednesday.
As a part of the impeachment procedure against him for alleged corruption, Lasso testifies before the National Assembly on Wednesday.
Reuters/Karen Toro
Guillaume Long, a former foreign minister for Ecuador under Correa’s administration, told CNN that Lasso is “under attack by high profile corruption scandals, criminal investigations, an impeachment process, a collapsing security situation, and record low approval ratings.” “A weak and unpopular president made a reckless decision to dissolve Ecuador’s congress.”

Following Lasso’s pronouncement, National Police officers were spotted keeping watch outside the structure housing the nation’s National Assembly. According to the police, the facilities were being guarded to ensure public safety and order.

Lasso’s decision was legal and ought to be honored, according to Ecuador’s Chief of the Joint Command of the Armed Forces, Nelson Proano. He continued, “This country will not tolerate any attempt to subvert democracy and the constitutional order through violence.

In order to quell fears of a coup, it is customary for the armed forces and police in South American nations to issue a statement of support for the incumbent administration.

On May 1, 2023, in Quito, participants in a march to observe May Day (Labor Day), the international day of the workers, protest against the administration of Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso. (Image courtesy of AFP/Rodrigo Buendia) (Image courtesy of RAFAEL BUENDIA/AFP via Getty Images)
Ecuador is having problems, and its president might suffer as a result.
In recent months, the President’s political standing has declined. Lasso’s alliance retains 25 members in the legislative chamber, and opposition lawmaker Virgilio Saquicela was re-elected as assembly president on Sunday with 96 votes. This situation could provide the opposition a chance to secure enough votes to pass the impeachment.

The use of muerte cruzada, according to Will Freeman, a fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, “would unquestionably cause instability.”