Latin America Political News: Ecuadorian Legislators Plan to Amend Constitution to Allow Unlimited Terms
Members of the Ecuadorian legislature's ruling party have introduced amendments to the country's constitution. However, the country's Constitutional Court still needs to decide whether the decision ought to be the people's or the legislature's.
The reforms, introduced Thursday, aim to amend a constitution that's just six years old, having been approved by the people in 2008. President Rafael Correa asked for the amendments, the most prominent of which asks for indefinite re-elections, this month despite the fact that he had said he would not seek re-election. According to the constitution written by his party, Alianza PAIS, an elected official can serve only two terms in one office. Correa won re-election on 2013 and will be president until 2017.
AFP reports that National Assembly President Gabriela Rivadeneira, a member of Alianza PAIS, introduced all 17 amendments to the legislative body.
"Ecuadoran society demands we, as legislative representatives, have a constitution in accord with the development of the new homeland," Rivadeneira said, referring to Correa's requested initiative. He, Evo Morales of Bolivia and the late Hugo Chavez in Venezuela represent the new left-wing movements in South America.
Though he still has not said he will run for a third time, his call for amendments comes when his party has been dealt serious blows in local elections, including losing Quito's mayorship.
However, the country's Constitutional Court first has to decide whether the amendments should be decided in the National Assembly or by public referendum. The constitution was passed via referendum, but the party undoubtedly prefers for it to go to the legislature, since it controls 100 of 137 seats, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Ecuadorian newspaper Hoy explained what other amendments were proposed, including one that will lower the minimum age for president from 35 to 30. It also calls for greater media censure and for the military to play a greater role in keeping peace.
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