Info
Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
b . No, existing regional/provincial/other boundaries are used
Comments: In addition to national, district and provincial constituencies, the law foresees special constituencies overseas.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución de la República del Ecuador”, art. 118: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-constitucion-2020/ ;
Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Electoral y de Organizaciones Políticas de la República del Ecuador, Código de la Democracia”, art. 150 & 151: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-codigo-democracia-2023/
Verified: 2025/03/13
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
d . Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries
Comments: Electoral constituencies with 8-12 representatives will be subdivided into two constituencies; those with 13-18 representatives will be subdivided into three constituencies; and those with 19 or more will be subdivided into four constituencies. Specifically, special constituencies overseas will be created with at least 300 Ecuadorian citizens, whom have to reside at the suggested area.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Electoral y de Organizaciones Políticas de la República del Ecuador, Código de la Democracia”, art. 150 & 151: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-codigo-democracia-2023/
Verified: 2025/03/13
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments: The National Electoral Council (CNE) has the authority for zoning electoral areas abroad in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility and the Consular Offices to facilitate Ecuadorian citizens’ voting right.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Electoral y de Organizaciones Políticas de la República del Ecuador, Código de la Democracia”, art. 150 & 151: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-codigo-democracia-2023/
Verified: 2025/03/13
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
a . Head of State is the Head of Government c . Directly elected in general elections (absolute majority with 2nd round if necessary)
Comments: The President is both the Head of State and the Head of Government. A second round of voting shall not be necessary if one candidate has obtained at least 40% of the valid votes and a 10-point lead over the nearest contender.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución de la República del Ecuador”, art. 141 & 143: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-constitucion-2020/
Verified: 2025/03/13
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
b . Directly elected in general elections, absolute majority (with 2nd round if necessary)
Comments: The President is both the Head of State and the Head of Government.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución de la República del Ecuador”, art. 141 & 143: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-constitucion-2020/
Verified: 2025/03/13
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The President is elected for a four-year term and can run for re-election.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución de la República del Ecuador”, art. 144: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-constitucion-2020/
Verified: 2025/03/13
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
a . One chamber
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución de la República del Ecuador”, art. 118: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-constitucion-2020/
Verified: 2025/03/13
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
g . List Proportional Representation
Comments: In 2017, 137 members will integrate the National Assembly: 15 elected from a nationwide constituency; 116 from the provinces; and 6 representatives elected at the special constituencies overseas.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución de la República del Ecuador”, art. 118: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-constitucion-2020/ ;
Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Electoral y de Organizaciones Políticas de la República del Ecuador, Código de la Democracia”, art. 120, 160: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-codigo-democracia-2023/
Verified: 2025/03/13
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Part of Constitution b . Separate legislation d . Regulations or administrative rules
Comments: The Organic Law on Elections and Political Organizations, also referred to as Democracy Code, rules over electoral issues.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución de la República del Ecuador”, art. 217–224: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-constitucion-2020/ ;
Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Electoral y de Organizaciones Políticas de la República del Ecuador, Código de la Democracia”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-codigo-democracia-2023/ ;
Direct Democracy Law: “Ley Orgánica de Participación Ciudadana”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-ley-participacion-ciudadana-2011/
Verified: 2025/03/13
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections b . Regional elections c . Local elections d . Referendums e . Other
Comments: The electoral law also covers direct democracy procedures for constitutional amendments, referenda and recalls.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Electoral y de Organizaciones Políticas de la República del Ecuador, Código de la Democracia”, art. 2, 4, 89, 90: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-codigo-democracia-2023/
Verified: 2025/03/13
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
b . Voting is compulsory and regulated in the electoral law c . Voting is compulsory and regulated in the constitution
Comments: Those who fail to vote must pay a fine. Voting is only optional for people between 16 and 18 years old, elderly persons over 65 years old, Ecuadorians who live abroad, members of the Armed Forces and the National Police Force, persons with disabilities and illiterates.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución de la República del Ecuador”, art. 62: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-constitucion-2020/ ;
Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Electoral y de Organizaciones Políticas de la República del Ecuador, Código de la Democracia”, art. 11, 292: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-codigo-democracia-2023/
Verified: 2025/03/13
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
c . Specially Appointed/Elected Electoral Tribunal
Comments: The Electoral Contentious Tribunal.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución de la República del Ecuador”, art. 221: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-constitucion-2020/ ;
Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Electoral y de Organizaciones Políticas de la República del Ecuador, Código de la Democracia”, art. 61, 70: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-codigo-democracia-2023/
Verified: 2025/03/13
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level b . Regional level c . Local level
Comments: It is also responsible for rural parish elections as well as for those of the representatives before the Andean Parliament.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución de la República del Ecuador”, art. 118: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-constitucion-2020/ ;
Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Electoral y de Organizaciones Políticas de la República del Ecuador, Código de la Democracia”, art. 25 (23), 89, 90: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-codigo-democracia-2023/
Verified: 2025/03/13
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature
Comments: The National Electoral Council and the Electoral Contentious Tribunal are responsible for the elaboration and management of their budgets, which are included in the General State Budget adopted by the National Assembly.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución de la República del Ecuador”, art. 219 (7), 221 (3), 294: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-constitucion-2020/ ;
Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Electoral y de Organizaciones Políticas de la República del Ecuador, Código de la Democracia”, art. 18, 25 (10), 70 (11): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-codigo-democracia-2023/
Verified: 2025/03/13
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature
Comments: The General State Comptroller is an independent technical body responsible for monitoring the use of State resources.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución de la República del Ecuador”, art. 296: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-constitucion-2020/
Verified: 2025/03/13
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
b . For a specified number of years
Comments: The National Electoral Council and the Electoral Contentious Tribunal shall each be comprised of five members, who serve a six-year term.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución de la República del Ecuador”, art. 218, 220: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-constitucion-2020/ ;
Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Electoral y de Organizaciones Políticas de la República del Ecuador, Código de la Democracia”, art. 24, 33, 63: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-codigo-democracia-2023/
Verified: 2025/03/13
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
b . Independent
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución de la República del Ecuador”, art. 217: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-constitucion-2020/ ;
Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Electoral y de Organizaciones Políticas de la República del Ecuador, Código de la Democracia”, art. 18: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-codigo-democracia-2023/
Verified: 2025/03/13
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
a . 1 - 10 members (specify)
Comments: The National Electoral Council and the Electoral Contentious Tribunal shall each be comprised of five members, who serve a six-year term.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución de la República del Ecuador”, art. 218, 220: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-constitucion-2020/ ;
Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Electoral y de Organizaciones Políticas de la República del Ecuador, Código de la Democracia”, art. 24, 33, 63: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-codigo-democracia-2023/
Verified: 2025/03/13
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
b . Expertise
Comments: To become a member of the National Electoral Council, it is required to be an Ecuadorian citizen and be in full possession of their political rights.
In order to become member of the Electoral Contentious Tribunal, it is required to be an Ecuadorian citizen, be in full possession of their political rights, to hold a university degree in law (legally recognized in the country) and to have served with proven integrity the professions of lawyer, judge or academic professor of law for a minimum of ten years.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Electoral y de Organizaciones Políticas de la República del Ecuador, Código de la Democracia”, art. 20: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-codigo-democracia-2023/
Verified: 2025/03/13
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
i . Other
Comments: The Council of Citizen Participation and Social Control shall appoint the members of the National Electoral Council and the Electoral Contentious Tribunal, from those selected through a public competition.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución de la República del Ecuador”, art. 224: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-constitucion-2020/ ;
Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Electoral y de Organizaciones Políticas de la República del Ecuador, Código de la Democracia”, art. 20: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-codigo-democracia-2023/
Verified: 2025/03/13
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
a . National Electoral Management Body
Comments: The National Electoral Council.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Electoral y de Organizaciones Políticas de la República del Ecuador, Código de la Democracia”, art. 25 (16 & 17): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-codigo-democracia-2023/
Verified: 2025/03/13
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
a . Continuously
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Electoral y de Organizaciones Políticas de la República del Ecuador, Código de la Democracia”, art. 25 (16 & 17): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-codigo-democracia-2023/
Verified: 2025/03/13
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
b . Yes, conducted by the National Electoral Management Body
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Electoral y de Organizaciones Políticas de la República del Ecuador, Código de la Democracia”, art. 25 (17): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-codigo-democracia-2023/
Verified: 2025/03/13
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
a . 16
Comments: The vote is mandatory for 18-year old Ecuadorians and optional for people between 16 and 18 years old, and elders more than 65 years old.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución de la República del Ecuador”, art. 62: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-constitucion-2020/ ;
Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Electoral y de Organizaciones Políticas de la República del Ecuador, Código de la Democracia”, art. 11: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-codigo-democracia-2023/
Verified: 2025/03/13
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship b . Period of Residence
Comments: Foreign persons who have legally resided in Ecuador for at least 5 years are also granted the right to vote.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución de la República del Ecuador”, art. 62 & 63: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-constitucion-2020/ ;
Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Electoral y de Organizaciones Políticas de la República del Ecuador, Código de la Democracia”, art. 11: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-codigo-democracia-2023/
Verified: 2025/03/13
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
d . Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: The National Electoral Council, in coordination with the Civil Registry, shall organize and prepare the electoral roll for voters living in the country and abroad.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución de la República del Ecuador”, art. 219 (12): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-constitucion-2020/ ;
Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Electoral y de Organizaciones Políticas de la República del Ecuador, Código de la Democracia”, art. 25 (15), 78: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-codigo-democracia-2023/
Verified: 2025/03/13
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: A voter cannot vote unless listed in the electoral roll. However, an attendance certificate shall be provided.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Electoral y de Organizaciones Políticas de la República del Ecuador, Código de la Democracia”, art. 12, 50, 78, 80, 122: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-codigo-democracia-2023/
Verified: 2025/03/13
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Signature requirement (specify requirement) c . Regional distribution requirement f . Other
Comments: The application for inscription must be submitted before the Permanent National Registry of political organizations, along with its: foundation act; declaration of ideological principles; government plan; distinctive signs (symbols, acronyms and emblems); internal regulations; registration of permanent members with at least 1.5% of the total electoral roll; and proof of having a partisan structure in half of the provinces of the country.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución de la República del Ecuador”, art. 109: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-constitucion-2020/ ;
Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Electoral y de Organizaciones Políticas de la República del Ecuador, Código de la Democracia”, art. 313–321: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-codigo-democracia-2023/
Verified: 2025/03/13
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship d . Residence f . Registration j . Other
Comments: Candidates must be at least 18 years old at the time of their nomination, be in full possession of their political rights, have been born or lived uninterruptedly in the corresponding constituency for at least two years and possess Ecuadorian citizenship.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución de la República del Ecuador”, art. 119: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-constitucion-2020/ ;
Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Electoral y de Organizaciones Políticas de la República del Ecuador, Código de la Democracia”, art. 95 (2), 97: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-codigo-democracia-2023/
Verified: 2025/03/13
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
e . In both presidential and legislative elections
Comments: A political party, movement or alliance can nominate independent and non-affiliated candidates.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Electoral y de Organizaciones Políticas de la República del Ecuador, Código de la Democracia”, art. 94: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-codigo-democracia-2023/
Verified: 2025/03/13
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Direct c . Indirect
Comments: Public funding will include all printed, radio, television and billboard campaign propaganda, as well as economic contributions, when the political organizations get: 4% of the votes cast in two successive multi-member elections; three representatives to the National Assembly; 8% of municipalities; or one councilor in each of, at least, 10% of the country’s districts.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución de la República del Ecuador”, art. 110: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-constitucion-2020/ ;
Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Electoral y de Organizaciones Políticas de la República del Ecuador, Código de la Democracia”, art. 202, 208, 215, 355, 358: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-codigo-democracia-2023/
Verified: 2025/03/13
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
a . Equal funding, regardless of size and previous performance b . Based on result of previous election c . Based on current legislative representation
Comments: Indirect funding will be equal. The resources coming from the General State Budget will be allocated by the National Electoral Council as follows: 50% of the funding is distributed equally to political parties or movements; 35% is distributed according to the number of votes obtained by each political organization in the last multi-member elections; and the remaining 15% is allocated to the Institute of Electoral Research and Political Analysis.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Electoral y de Organizaciones Políticas de la República del Ecuador, Código de la Democracia”, art. 202, 203, 205, 355, 358: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-codigo-democracia-2023/
Verified: 2025/03/13
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Political organizations are entitled to private funding from the following sources: the contributions of their members or those that candidates themselves provide (not exceeding 10% of the maximum amount of electoral expenses); donations in cash or in kind by Ecuadorians or foreigners residing in Ecuador (not exceeding 5% of the maximum amount); and from revenues of their properties (not exceeding 50% of the maximum amount).
Source: Constitution: “Constitución de la República del Ecuador”, art. 110: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-constitucion-2020/ ;
Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Electoral y de Organizaciones Políticas de la República del Ecuador, Código de la Democracia”, art. 215, 216, 219, 221, 220, 359, 360: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-codigo-democracia-2023/
Verified: 2025/03/13
Vote Counting
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
a . The polling stations
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Electoral y de Organizaciones Políticas de la República del Ecuador, Código de la Democracia”, art. 124: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-codigo-democracia-2023/
Verified: 2025/03/13
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
c . Automatically (triggered) recounted under certain conditions
Comments: If the National Electoral Council declares the vote-counting procedure invalid, a recount is conducted. The Electoral Board may order that the number of votes of a ballot box be verified when: an act is rejected by the counting computer system due to numerical inconsistency of the results; the minutes of the polling station are not signed by the President and the Secretary; the copy of the counting minutes provided by the polling station does not coincide with the minutes computed.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Electoral y de Organizaciones Políticas de la República del Ecuador, Código de la Democracia”, art. 138, 139, 145: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-codigo-democracia-2023/
Verified: 2025/03/13
Media and Elections
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
a . Equal regardless of size of party and previous performance
Comments: The State, through the budget of the National Electoral Council, will exclusively finance the campaign propaganda in the written press, radio, television and billboards of political organizations, which will not be able to pay for advertising in the media.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución de la República del Ecuador”, art. 115: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-constitucion-2020/ ;
Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Electoral y de Organizaciones Políticas de la República del Ecuador, Código de la Democracia”, art. 202, 203, 205, 207, 358: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-codigo-democracia-2023/
Verified: 2025/03/13
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
a . Yes, in presidential elections
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución de la República del Ecuador”, art. 118: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-constitucion-2020/ ;
Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Electoral y de Organizaciones Políticas de la República del Ecuador, Código de la Democracia”, art. 202.2: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-codigo-democracia-2023/
Verified: 2025/03/13
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
f . 10 or more days
Comments: Ten days prior to the election.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Electoral y de Organizaciones Políticas de la República del Ecuador, Código de la Democracia”, art. 206, 282: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-codigo-democracia-2023/
Verified: 2025/03/13
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Political organizations will not be able to pay for advertising in the media.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Electoral y de Organizaciones Políticas de la República del Ecuador, Código de la Democracia”, art. 202: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-codigo-democracia-2023/
Verified: 2025/03/13
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The Organic Law on Citizen Participation foresees direct democracy procedures, such citizen’s initiative, referendum and recalls.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República del Ecuador”, art. 106, 420, 441, 442: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-constitucion-2020/ ; Direct Democracy Law: “Ley Orgánica de Participación Ciudadana”, art. 5: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-ley-participacion-ciudadana-2011/
Verified: 2025/03/13
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The approval of a constitutional reform requires a referendum, which must be supported by half plus one of the valid votes cast.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República del Ecuador”, art. 442: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-constitucion-2020/ ; Direct Democracy Law: “Ley Orgánica de Participación Ciudadana”, art. 13: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-ley-participacion-ciudadana-2011/
Verified: 2025/03/13
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República del Ecuador”, art. 106, 420, 441: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-constitucion-2020/ ; Direct Democracy Law: “Ley Orgánica de Participación Ciudadana”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-ley-participacion-ciudadana-2011/
Verified: 2025/03/13
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: The law foresees citizen initiatives for the creation, amendment or repeal of legal regulations before the Legislative Branch of Government or any other legislative body. It must be backed by, at least, 0.25% of those registered in the electoral roll of the corresponding jurisdiction.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República del Ecuador”, art. 61 (3), 103, 104, 134 (5), 420, 441 (2), 442: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-constitucion-2020/ ; Direct Democracy Law: “Ley Orgánica de Participación Ciudadana” art. 6-18: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-ley-participacion-ciudadana-2011/
Verified: 2025/03/13
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República del Ecuador”, art. 61 (4), 103, 104, 106, 407, 438 (2), 444: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-constitucion-2020/ ; Direct Democracy Law: “Ley Orgánica de Participación Ciudadana” art. 19-24: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-ley-participacion-ciudadana-2011/
Verified: 2025/03/13
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The request for recall can be submitted after the first year and before the last year of the term of office for which the challenged authority was elected. The request for recall must be backed by a number accounting for no less than 10% of the persons registered in the corresponding electoral roll. In the case of the President of the Republic, the amount of signatures must account to no less than 15% of the persons registered in the electoral roll.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República del Ecuador”, art. 61 (6), 105, 106: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-constitucion-2020/ ; Direct Democracy Law: “Ley Orgánica de Participación Ciudadana” art. 25-28: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-ley-participacion-ciudadana-2011/
Verified: 2025/03/13
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
a . Always binding
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República del Ecuador”, art. 106: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-constitucion-2020/ ; Direct Democracy Law: “Ley Orgánica de Participación Ciudadana” art. 18: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-ley-participacion-ciudadana-2011/
Verified: 2025/03/13
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
c . Both constitutional and other issues
Comments: The ratification of treaties can be requested by referendum.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República del Ecuador”, art. 106, 420, 441, 442: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-constitucion-2020/ ; Direct Democracy Law: “Ley Orgánica de Participación Ciudadana”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-ley-participacion-ciudadana-2011/
Verified: 2025/03/13
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República del Ecuador”, art. 104, 106, 245, 257, 398: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-constitucion-2020/ ; Direct Democracy Law: “Ley Orgánica de Participación Ciudadana”, art. 20, 21, 23: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-ley-participacion-ciudadana-2011/
Verified: 2025/03/13
Voting Operations
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
a . At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections
Comments: Polling stations are responsible for receiving and counting the votes.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Electoral y de Organizaciones Políticas de la República del Ecuador, Código de la Democracia”, art. 43, 50, 78, 122: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-codigo-democracia-2023/
Verified: 2023/03/30
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
b . Citizens residing outside the country
Comments: Ecuadorians abroad have the right to elect the President and Vice-President of the Republic, members of parliament representing Ecuadorian nationals abroad.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución de la República del Ecuador”, art. 63: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-constitucion-2020/ ;
Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Electoral y de Organizaciones Políticas de la República del Ecuador, Código de la Democracia”, art. 11, 13: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-codigo-democracia-2023/
Verified: 2023/03/30
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
f . Other
Comments: Ecuadorians overseas vote over the Internet
Source: Regulations for Out-of-Country Voting over the Internet: “Reglamento de votación telemática en las circunscripciones especiales del exterior (2022)”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-reglamento-votacion-telematica-exterior-2022/
Verified: 2023/03/30
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots d . Electronic voting machine
Comments: In single-member constituencies, voters will mark the box of the candidate or ticket of their preference. In multi-member constituencies, voters will mark the box of as much candidates as representatives are to be chosen either from one single list or from various lists.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Electoral y de Organizaciones Políticas de la República del Ecuador, Código de la Democracia”, art. 109, 110, 113: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-codigo-democracia-2023/
Verified: 2023/03/30
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