Constitutional Reforms are End of Democracy in Ecuador (Opinion)

panampost.com/María Aguilar wrote in Ecuador, the ruling PAIS Alliance is about to pass 16 amendments to reform the constitution. Their aim is to adapt it to the new conditions that President Rafael Correa demands for his personal project, putting one person’s interests over the country’s general welfare.

It turns out that the current Constitution, which was enacted in 2008, is no longer useful. Seven years ago, however, the Constitution’s supporters labeled it a historical landmark that would last for at least two centuries. Things have changed, apparently. Among other things, Ecuador is no longer a democracy.

What we have is an autocracy where the National Assembly simulates democratic procedures while rubber-stamping any legislation sent by President Correa, who believes he is not accountable to anyone. As a result, Ecuadorians are no longer asked to approve new constitutional reforms at the voting booth.

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Absurdly, the 2008 Constitution required a referendum to be approved, but current amendments made in the National Assembly do not need the Ecuadorian people’s consent.

The 16 amendments in question are ornamental, semantic distortions meant to disguise the underlying issue: they will allow Correa to reelect himself indefinitely. They legitimize his wish to perpetuate himself in power.

For Correa, allowing non-consecutive reelection is a political tactic. After leaving the state bankrupt, he would rather avoid any responsibility for the dismal economic scenario that awaits his successor. Read Full Article