President Daniel Noboa temporarily steps down, transferring duties to Cynthia Gellibert amid electoral campaign scrutiny and controversy.

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa made the unprecedented decision to transfer his presidential powers temporarily to Vice President Cynthia Gellibert from January 9th to January 12, 2025. This move came amid mounting scrutiny over his dual roles as head of state and an active campaigner in the ongoing electoral season.

Through Executive Decree 500, signed on January 7th, Noboa formally delegated his presidential responsibilities to Gellibert, citing “force majeure” as the justification for his temporary absence. The decision was framed as a proactive measure to separate his duties as president from his activities on the campaign trail.

Navigating Electoral Regulations

Noboa’s decision follows a statement issued by Ecuador’s National Electoral Council (CNE) on January 6th, which reminded public officials that they are prohibited from using their positions to influence electoral outcomes. The president acknowledged the potential ambiguities in interpreting such guidelines and emphasized the importance of avoiding any perception of impropriety.

In the decree, Noboa noted that any public appearance during his presidency could be misconstrued as electoral proselytism, potentially leading to allegations of electoral violations. To mitigate these risks, he described the situation as “unforeseeable and irresistible,” constituting a circumstance of force majeure that necessitated his temporary withdrawal from presidential duties.

The transfer of power took effect at 5:00 p.m. on January 9th and will conclude at 4:59 p.m. on January 12th, coinciding with Noboa’s planned campaign activities.

Controversy Over Gellibert’s Appointment

The appointment of Cynthia Natalie Gellibert Mora as acting president has not been without controversy. Gellibert was appointed vice president following a contentious dispute with former running mate Verónica Abad. Critics argue that her selection undermines the principle of an elected vice president serving as the constitutionally designated successor.

Elena Nájera, a member of the CNE, voiced her disapproval during a televised interview, describing the appointment as “wrong.” Nájera pointed out that Ecuador’s citizens had elected a vice president during the last election, and the delegation of power to Gellibert bypasses this established mandate.

Opposition and Public Reaction

Valentina Centeno, a legislative candidate from the ADN party, was supportive of the president’s temporary leave, framing it as a necessary step to engage directly with voters. “We are thrilled that the president will be with us on the streets, connecting with his people and assembly members,” she remarked during an interview with Teleamazonas.

However, others have raised concerns about the optics and timing of the decision. Opponents claim that Noboa began his campaign on January 5th while still in office, despite repeated calls for him to step aside to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.

Balancing Governance and Campaigning

The February 2025 general elections mark a critical juncture for Ecuador, and Noboa’s decision underscores the challenges of balancing governance with campaign obligations. By temporarily stepping away, he aims to demonstrate transparency and adherence to electoral norms, even as questions about the appropriateness of his actions persist.

As the campaign season intensifies, the brief transfer of power to Gellibert will likely serve as a test of Ecuador’s evolving political landscape, where questions of ethics and accountability continue to shape public discourse.