In Ecuador, a voting certificate is a crucial document required for various transactions, from bank loans to university enrollment. Despite the lack of a legal framework mandating its presentation, public and private entities continue to request it. The practice, deeply rooted in Ecuadorian customs, persists even though recent laws and presidential decisions have aimed to eliminate such requirements. The voting certificate, which confirms participation in elections, has been a part of Ecuadorian civil processes since 1947 and is considered a minor electoral infraction if not requested by institutions.

Ecuador faces a critical moment as violence escalates, with recent prison riots in Esmeraldas and Guayas provinces spilling into the streets and leading to numerous deaths. The assassination of Manta's mayor, Agustín Intriago, and the death of young footballer Ariana Chancay highlight the dire situation. Five journalists have fled the country due to safety concerns, and there's a reported kidnapping of three Comptroller's Office officials in Los Ríos. Amidst pre-election context, there's fear that the public's desperation for security could lead to the rise of a strongman leader, potentially undermining democracy. The article emphasizes the importance of maintaining democratic values while addressing the country's security issues.

Bolívar Armijos Velasco, an attorney from Esmeraldas and former member of the Revolución Ciudadana, was one of eight presidential candidates in Ecuador's early 2023 elections, finishing eighth with over 35,000 votes. Following the dissolution of the National Assembly and the application of the 'muerte cruzada', Armijos announced his pre-candidacy for the 2025 general elections. He was previously considered for a presidential bid in 2021 but was replaced by Andrés Arauz. In 2023, Armijos was supported by the political movement Amigo, linked to former Alianza País assembly member Daniel Mendoza. Armijos, who identifies as 'pro-life', holds a law degree from the Universidad Técnica Luis Vargas Torres de Esmeraldas and is a founder of CONAGOPARE. The Comptroller's Office reported irregularities in CONAGOPARE's financial management, and two reports with indications of criminal responsibility were sent to the Prosecutor's Office, although no judicial processes for these allegations are recorded.

Ecuador's President's decision to invoke a 'muerte cruzada' and dissolve the National Assembly, while constitutional, poses a threat to democracy. The Constitution of Montecristi, promoted by Rafael Correa, allows for such an action, but it undermines the balance of state powers. The article argues that despite the Assembly's flaws and the public's dissatisfaction with its legislators, it remains a crucial component of democratic governance. The author warns against the temptation to support authoritarian measures and urges the country to work towards improving its representatives rather than settling for a compromised democracy.

Gonzalo Muñoz criticizes the National Assembly of Ecuador for procedural errors in presenting a political trial against the President, arguing that the accusations lack logical connection and are outrageous. The Assembly confused articles of the Constitution in their submission, which Muñoz sees as undermining the seriousness of the process. He explains that the accusations must be specific and fall within the causes established by the Constitution. Muñoz believes that the Constitutional Court should thoroughly analyze the connection between the accusations and the political offenses to find serious flaws in the accusation. He also discusses the potential consequences of the Court's decision and the President's ability to dissolve the Assembly, refuting claims that the political trial would prevent this.

On February 9, Enrique Pita of the Consejo Nacional Electoral (CNE) reported the discovery of a parallel computing center in a warehouse at the CNE's Guayas headquarters in Guayaquil, which allegedly printed unauthorized recount forms to influence the referendum results. Diana Atamaint, CNE president, confirmed a complaint was filed with the Fiscalía. The recount process in Guayas was halted, and the CNE's Guayas director, John Gamboa, denied the allegations. The Partido Social Cristiano demanded an explanation, while Leonidas Iza of CONAIE suggested the complaint might be a distraction. The Revolución Ciudadana reported that their computing center was interfered with, and their computers were seized by the Fiscalía. Atamaint announced Gamboa's removal and the resumption of the scrutiny process.

Andrés Paéz, a candidate for the mayorship of Quito supported by the Partido Sociedad Patriótica and Democracia Sí, discussed his proposals for sexual diversity and education in municipal schools. He acknowledged political agreements with leaders Gustavo Larrea and Lucio Gutiérrez, denied seeking to incorporate Jéssica Jaramillo into his campaign, and emphasized his stance on public safety, including life imprisonment for certain crimes. Paéz plans to create shelters for women victims of violence and work with existing foundations. He also commented on his connections with former mayor and candidate Jorge Yunda, his relationship with candidate Pedro Freile, and how he would interact with President Guillermo Lasso regarding new proposals in Quito.

Álvaro Román, a lawyer with over 30 years of experience in criminal and constitutional law, faced a dispute over the presidency of Ecuador's Consejo de la Judicatura following María del Carmen Maldonado's resignation. Despite being her alternate, the CPCCS initially decided he could not assume the presidency. However, after the Corte Constitucional's ruling on September 22, 2022, and the subsequent removal of the CPCCS members for non-compliance, Román was positioned to become president. His academic background includes a Doctorate in Jurisprudence and a Master's in Constitutional Law from Universidad Central, as well as teaching roles at several universities.

Babahoyo faces significant challenges with crime, corruption, and gender violence as it approaches the 2023 elections. The city has seen 32 homicides, over 4,000 robberies, and 509 drug trafficking complaints from May 2019 to May 2022. There have also been cases of corruption, including cohecho and peculado. Gender violence remains a serious issue, with 4 femicides and numerous cases of physical, psychological, and sexual violence reported. The school dropout rate is higher than in some other cities, and there are ongoing concerns about water quality and security. Local journalist Guido Moreno highlights the need for improved water quality and security, noting that while the outgoing mayor Carlos German has focused on social and preventive health measures, significant infrastructure projects are lacking.

Patricio Alarcón, a candidate for the mayor of Quito, discussed his approach to social protest, stating he would block strategic sites harboring criminals and engage with the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Quito and the government to prevent protesters from finding refuge. He criticized metropolitan agents for corruption and emphasized the need to clean up institutions. Despite data showing low criminal involvement among Venezuelan migrants, Alarcón highlighted their assaults as a major concern for Quito residents, advocating for the deportation of criminal migrants and acceptance of those who work. He also touched on his relationship with council members, the need to remove sex work and informal trade from the historic center, reactivating childcare centers, and his views on mobility. Alarcón mentioned his election opponents and the lack of an alliance within his political tendency.

Luz Elena Coloma, a candidate for mayor of Quito with the support of the Alianza Va por Ti coalition, which includes CREO, Construye, Reto, and Ahora, discussed her campaign, political alliances, and gender parity in municipal institutions. She mentioned past efforts to ensure parity and the current state of the Municipality of Quito. Coloma also addressed the financing of her campaign and her potential relationship with the President of the Republic.

An Ipsos survey reveals Ecuadorian perceptions of the questions to be voted on in the February 2023 elections. It shows that 55% are aware of the consultation, with 47% believing it will benefit the country. Key issues include extradition for transnational organized crime, autonomy for the Prosecutor's Office, reducing assembly members, and political movement regulations. The survey also indicates strong support for reforming the CPCCS's authority and designating its members, incorporating a water protection subsystem into the National Protected Areas System, and compensating indigenous communities for environmental services. President Guillermo Lasso's management is disapproved by 64% of respondents.

The article criticizes the Ecuadorian government, particularly President Guillermo Lasso, Interior Minister Juan Zapata, and Secretary of Communication Andrés Seminario, for their lack of appropriate response to the violence in Guayas and Esmeraldas. It highlights the government's preoccupation with media portrayal and personal grievances over addressing the critical issue of public safety. The article underscores the contrast between the festive reception of the FIFA World Cup trophy and the grim reality of violence in the country, questioning the government's priorities during a crisis.

Michael Fitzpatrick, the U.S. ambassador, discussed the revocation of over 300 visas for Ecuadorians linked to corruption and other crimes. The U.S. Embassy enforces strict adherence to U.S. laws and norms, which includes denying visas to those who fall outside acceptable conduct. The revocations are part of efforts to support Ecuador and other countries in combating corruption, drug trafficking, and violence. Fitzpatrick highlighted the cooperation with Ecuadorian institutions in various areas, including justice, police, and fiscal policy, and mentioned international investigations and information exchange agreements. The ambassador emphasized the ongoing collaboration with the Ecuadorian government and society to strengthen public institutions and improve security and transparency.

Ecuador has been experiencing protests for 10 days, led by Leonidas Iza, president of the Confederación de Nacionalidades Indígenas del Ecuador (CONAIE), with demands including freezing fuel prices and addressing indigenous communities' grievances. President Guillermo Lasso agreed to dialogue after civil society calls, but tensions escalated with police actions against protesters. The violence has resulted in at least two deaths, and both the government and protest leaders are urged to negotiate to prevent further violence. Indigenous populations have historically been marginalized, and the current protests reflect deep societal fractures and the need for mutual concessions in a democratic framework.

Ecuadorian President Lasso partially vetoed a law regarding abortion in cases of rape, reducing the timeframe for termination from 18 to 12 weeks for minors and rural women, and proposing the law be named to reflect regulation rather than guaranteeing abortion. He insists on respecting the Constitutional Court's ruling despite personal disagreement. Lita Martínez of Cepam Guayaquil criticized the veto for ignoring the realities faced by rape victims. The veto also requires a report, sworn statement, or medical exam as a prerequisite for abortion, which contradicts the Court's ruling that suggested flexibility in requirements. Constitutional lawyer Mauricio Maldonado argues that the right to abortion in cases of rape is legally sound and that the President's objections are more symbolic than substantive.

Fernando Balda, an Ecuadorian politician known for his opposition to former president Rafael Correa, has called for a purge of 'Correístas' from the government, labeling them as infiltrators and corrupt. This call, which includes a form for accusations, has been criticized for its disregard for legality and human rights. The government of President Guillermo Lasso has disavowed Balda's actions, emphasizing a commitment to political diversity and non-persecution. Balda's actions are likened to those of Joseph MacCarthy, and the article condemns such divisive and potentially illegal tactics, warning of the dangers they pose to democracy.