Ecuador’s special elections begin with pretrial detainees voting

Ecuador’s special presidential and legislative elections are initiated with the voting of inmates who have not yet received a final sentence.

This voting process takes place within prisons.

4,756 individuals are eligible to vote in 39 Social Rehabilitation Centers. 62 Voting Reception Boards have been set up across 20 provinces to facilitate this.

Diana Atamaint, head of the National Electoral Council (CNE), expressed gratitude to the Armed Forces and the Police for ensuring the event’s smooth operation and the security of election materials.

Votes cast in this phase will be counted after the primary election day concludes on Sunday.

Luis Ordóñez, director of the National Service for Comprehensive Care to Adult Inmates and Offending Adolescents (SNAI), described the day’s proceedings as “a tangible testament to inclusive democracy”.

He emphasized the state’s commitment to uphold and guarantee the political rights of detainees awaiting a final sentence.

The CNE collaborated with various institutions, including the Armed Forces, the National Police, and the SNAI, to ensure that these inmates can exercise their right to vote and make critical national decisions.

The opening ceremony was held at the CNE headquarters, preceding the “home voting” for registered people with disabilities scheduled for Friday.

On Sunday, Ecuadorians will cast their votes to decide who will complete the presidential term originally secured by Guillermo Lasso for 2021-2025.

In the previous May, Lasso dissolved the opposition-majority Parliament as it was about to discuss his potential impeachment over alleged misappropriation, which he refuted.

Invoking a constitutional clause, he requested special elections, shortening his tenure. Seven candidates are vying to succeed Lasso.

The CNE recently approved Christian Zurita’s candidacy, replacing Fernando Villavicencio, who was tragically killed a week prior.

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