On 27 March, the National Electoral Council (CNE) approved a resolution advancing the February 2027 local elections to 29 November 2026, citing technical assessments on the potential impact of the El Niño phenomenon on electoral logistics. Although presented as a preventive administrative measure to protect voting operations, the decision altered an electoral calendar already in force and generated significant political and legal controversy. Civil society organizations and opposition parties argued that the sudden change undermined legal certainty and limited parties’ ability to organize candidacies, potentially affecting electoral credibility. Legal challenges were filed before the Constitutional Court and the Electoral Disputes Tribunal, questioning whether the CNE exceeded its mandate and warning that unpredictable application of electoral rules could weaken public trust in election management.

Sources: El Universo, El Pais, Ecuavisa, El Comercio

In March, an electoral judge in Ecuador ordered the nine‑month suspension of the opposition Citizens’ Revolution (Revolución Ciudadana, RC) party, following a request by the Prosecutor General, and stemming from an inquiry into alleged asset laundering by RC members. The provisional measure temporarily removes the country’s largest opposition force, led by former president Rafael Correa, from the electoral register. It prevents RC from participating in key phases of upcoming local electoral processes, which were advanced due to the El Niño climate phenomenon. RC leaders denounced the suspension as weakening political pluralism. Some analysts consider the decision narrows the free political party environment in an already polarized context, while others back the measure as consistent with relevant laws. The measure does not prevent the party’s members from partnering with other parties and could be reversed once the Prosecutor General’s inquiry concludes.

Sources: El Pais, El Comercio

On 16 November, Ecuadorians overwhelmingly rejected all four questions in a referendum and popular consultation promoted by President Daniel Noboa. The referendum questions were: i) eliminating the constitutional ban on foreign military bases (60.8 per cent against); ii) removing public financing for political parties and movements (58.3 per cent against); and iii) reducing the number of lawmakers in the National Assembly from 151 to 73 (53.7 per cent against). The popular consultation question regarded the convening of an elected constitutional assembly to draft a new constitution, subject to referendum approval (61.8 per cent against). According to the National Electoral Council (CNE), voter turnout exceeded 80.0 per cent, with mandatory voting in place. The referendum and popular consultation took place in the context of a ‘state of exception’ declared through presidential decree in several regions, due to what authorities described as ‘serious internal commotion’. International observers noted the peaceful conduct of the referendum but highlighted that President Noboa introduced the fourth question without prior review by the Constitutional Court, as required by law. The CNE later addressed the issue by consulting the Court, which subsequently issued a favorable opinion.

Sources:  Consejo Nacional Electoral, El Universo, Primicias, Infobae

At least four explosives detonated in different parts of Ecuador in October. These included car bombs and other explosive devices in Guayaquil and surrounding areas, as well as in the province of Guayas. Authorities have attributed the attacks to criminal groups, including the Los Lobos gang, apparently in response to security force operations against illegal mining, though investigations are still ongoing. At least 27 people were killed, and dozens more were injured in attacks that signal the increasing use of terrorist tactics by organized crime groups in Ecuador. Although the use of explosives by organized crime groups in Ecuador is not new, it indicates an intensification of the use of indiscriminate violence in response to security operations.

Sources: Teleamazonas, Infobae, Teleprensa, El Pais

On 8 October, a convoy in which President Daniel Noboa was travelling was attacked amid a national strike against recent economic measures. The strike, which had been convened by social and Indigenous organizations since September, aimed to pressure the government into backtracking the elimination of diesel subsidies. The strike had included blockades to some highways and roads. In this context, Noboa’s convoy was to deliver ‘humanitarian aid’ to some of the regions impacted by the blockades. Government officials allege that, in addition to being attacked by rocks and Molotov cocktails, the president’s vehicle was also struck by bullets. The government has characterized these actions as acts of terrorism, and criminal investigations are underway with at least five people arrested. Later in the month, President Noboa claimed he had been given food products laced with dangerous chemicals in an attempt to poison him.

Sources: The Guardian, DW, Swissinfo, CNN

On 12 August, President Daniel Noboa led a demonstration against the Constitutional Court to protest its decisions regarding recently enacted legislation that the executive has characterized as essential to its strategy against organized crime. On 4 August the Court suspended provisions of laws (including the ‘Solidarity bill’ and the Intelligence Law) that were challenged after their enactment, pending a decision on their compatibility with the Constitution. Among other aspects, such provisions allowed for presidential pardons of members of the security forces and enabled intelligence gathering activities without a judicial order. In this context, high-ranking governmental officials have characterized the Court as an ‘enemy of the citizenry’. Noboa also announced that he would be seeking to introduce a referendum on the possibility of impeaching Court justices. National and international experts have expressed serious concern for the executive’s statements, which undermine judicial independence.

Sources: AP, Infobae, El Comercio, OHCHR, International IDEA,