Independent lawmaker Virgilio Saquicela was re-elected president of Ecuador’s National Assembly on Sunday, supported by politicians who want an impeachment process against President Guillermo Lasso to advance to a vote for his possible removal. Saquicela, who took over as president of the National Assembly in May last year, has become a principal figure in the process against Lasso, who is accused of embezzlement in an oil transportation contract. The assembly voted to continue with the impeachment process on Tuesday in a session convened by Saquicela with 88 votes in favor out of 116 legislators present. A majority of 96 lawmakers of the 136 present voted to re-elect Saquicela. 92 votes from the 137-member assembly are needed to remove Lasso.

Source: Bueno Aires Herald May 14, 2023 18:35 UTC