Ecuador’s president and vice president-elect clash over authority, sparking legal battles, security measures, and institutional divides.
January 5, 2025, marked the official start of Ecuador’s electoral campaign, yet President Daniel Noboa has chosen not to take a leave of absence to campaign, a decision that has ignited political controversy and heightened tensions in the capital.
The Government Palace in Quito, also known as Carondelet Palace, woke up surrounded by reinforced police security, with barriers restricting access to Independence Square, a historic and symbolic location. The square, flanked by key institutions like the cathedral and the municipality, is now heavily guarded. Groups of police officers, clad in bulletproof vests, stand behind the fences in small clusters, their demeanor calm yet vigilant.
Abad Challenges Noboa’s Authority
Verónica Abad, Ecuador’s vice president-elect, has stoked the political standoff by declaring her intention to assume the presidency during Noboa’s campaign, arguing that the president must step aside temporarily. In a video released over the weekend, Abad called on state institutions to support her in what she described as a move to ensure stability and continuity in governance.
However, Noboa has shown no signs of yielding to her demands. While he is among the 16 candidates vying for the presidency, he has yet to announce whether he will request a leave of absence.
Legal Disputes Over Abad’s Role
The controversy surrounding Abad’s role has been further muddied by her recent appointment as a temporary advisor in Ankara. Her failure to assume this post led the Executive to classify her status as a “temporary absence” and appoint Sariha Moya as interim vice president. Moya has since resigned due to health reasons, prompting Noboa to appoint Cynthia Gellibert as her replacement.
Abad has challenged these actions in the Constitutional Court, citing a violation of constitutional provisions on vice-presidential absences. Despite her legal maneuvering, the Court has yet to rule definitively on the matter.
Military and Police Align with Noboa
Adding to the drama, the military and police have publicly pledged their support to Noboa, affirming they will follow his orders. This move has weakened Abad’s position and raised questions about her ability to secure broader institutional backing for her claims.
Sources close to Abad revealed that her team is “evaluating the relevant actions” following the military and police announcements. While she has promised a peaceful and constitutional transition if she assumes power, she has not provided specifics about her next steps.
Debate Over Noboa’s Campaign Leave
The question of whether Noboa is obligated to take a leave of absence has sparked debate. Minister of Government José de la Gasca argued that there is no explicit legal requirement for Noboa to step aside, as he is completing the term of his predecessor, Guillermo Lasso, rather than seeking re-election.
The National Assembly, meanwhile, has mandated that legislators seeking re-election must request leave, as outlined in the Code of Democracy. However, the Assembly has refrained from issuing a clear directive regarding Noboa’s case.
As the electoral campaign unfolds, the stand-off between Noboa and Abad underscores the fragility of Ecuador’s political landscape, with questions of legality, authority, and institutional loyalty hanging in the balance.
“he has yet to announce whether he will request a leave of absence.” What a silly thing to write. He has already announced that he will not step aside.