Ecuador’s Constitutional Court on Thursday paved the way for early legislative and presidential elections, rejecting a series of cases brought by opposition politicians to block President Guillermo Lasso’s decision to dissolve the National Assembly. The embattled leader, who faced an impeachment attempt by opposition politicians, cited Ecuador’s serious political crisis and domestic turmoil as reasons for making the move. Earlier on Thursday, Ecuador’s electoral court said elections brought forward from 2025 could take place on August 20. Lasso had faced an impeachment attempt by opposition politicians over accusations he disregarded warnings of embezzlement related to a contract at state-owned oil transportation company Flopec. Those elected to power in the early elections in August – including lawmakers and the president – would only serve until regularly scheduled elections are held in 2025.

Source: Bueno Aires Herald May 19, 2023 22:33 UTC