Ecuadorian constitutional judge reinstates political rights of ex-Vice President Glas

This Friday, an Ecuadorian constitutional judge issued a precautionary measure reinstating the political rights of the country’s former vice president, Jorge Glas (2013-2018).

These rights had been previously revoked due to a corruption conviction.

Judge Jhon Rodriguez of the Multicompetent Judicial Unit of the Yaguachi canton in the coastal province of Guayas (southwest), issued the order, subsequently published by local media on social media platforms.

In his ruling, Judge Rodriguez stated that he had accepted a request for precautionary measures lodged by Glas’ legal team.

Following this decision, “the political rights of participation to elect and be elected and to participate in matters of public interest are restored to engineer Jorge David Glas Espinel, enabling him to participate in the early elections of 2023 while respecting his constitutional rights” the ruling specified.

This action effectively paves the way for the former vice president to participate in the upcoming early presidential and legislative elections scheduled for August 20 in Ecuador.

The nation will conduct another round of elections following the May 17 decree by current President Guillermo Lasso, invoking the constitutional principle of “cross death”.

This move led to the dissolution of the National Assembly (Congress) and the calling of early elections.

Facing an impeachment trial in the Legislative, where the opposition pushed for his removal, Lasso cited a serious political crisis and internal turmoil to justify his decision.

The judge also mandated the National Electoral Council to be notified of his ruling, ensuring Glas is included in the electoral roll, and ordered the Ministry of Labor to revoke the existing prohibition against Glas holding public office.

Serving as vice president from 2013 to 2017 under the Rafael Correa administration, Glas was re-elected in February 2017 alongside former President Lenín Moreno, who later dismissed him from his duties in January 2018.

Glas was sentenced to six and eight years of imprisonment in two separate corruption cases involving illicit association and bribery. However, the sentences were consolidated.

Glas was accused of receiving US$13.5 million in bribes to favor the Brazilian construction company Odebrecht with state contracts for five strategic sector projects.

He has denied these accusations, attributing them to political persecution.

On October 2, 2017, he voluntarily surrendered to justice and was incarcerated for just over five years.

In November 2022, Glas was granted provisional release from prison due to a precautionary measure.

As one of the most prominent figures of the Citizen Revolution (RC5) – a progressive leftist political movement led by former President Rafael Correa (2007-2017) and currently the country’s leading political force – Glas will announce his candidacy for the extraordinary elections in a national convention today, Saturday.

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