CNE: Challenges of achieving democracy | Letter to the Director | Viewpoint

Ecuador faces major challenges in consolidating democracy, and the National Electoral Council (CNE) plays a crucial role in this process. Despite the 2008 Constitution and the Law on Organizing Elections and Political Affairs, the CNE has failed to effectively include citizens in the redistribution of democratic power. This is mainly due to the lack of a plan to promote a cultural transformation in terms of civic, political, and democratic aspects.

The 2025 presidential election will be the basis for evaluating the existence of political parties and movements

The 2008 constitution sought to establish a more inclusive democratic period, creating the National Electoral Commission and empowering it to not only organize elections but also foster a strong democratic culture. However, the CNE has failed to implement plans to promote active citizen participation in the democratic process, limiting itself to using it to legitimize elections without giving it a sustained leadership role.

Juan Guadalajara, a member of the Civic Participation Organization, proposed that three members of the National Electoral Council be elected within five months.

This oversight has generated a number of problems in Ecuadorian democracy, including deep dissatisfaction with the political system, distrust of organizations, polarization, and a real lack of pluralism. Citizens feel excluded and disappointed with political actors and the failure to deliver on political promises, showing intolerance and growing indifference towards politics and its organizations.

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In order to meet these challenges and truly consolidate democracy, the CNE needs new leadership that will rethink its approach and make citizens more firmly aware of their role in consolidating democracy in the country. The next leadership, composed of new members and managers of the CNE, must actively work to involve citizens in political decision-making and promote democratic principles and values ​​implemented in daily practice, without any excuses or favoritism.

Analysts say the “only way out” for Daniel Noboa is to reconcile with Veronica Abad in response to the CNE’s response to the Attorney General’s Office

Only through the concerted efforts of voters to make demands on political organizations and rulers and to promote an active civic and political culture can Ecuador achieve a solid and stable democracy.

The question is: When the CNE faces democratic challenges but makes no progress, what can we voters do? (profound)

Raúl Santamaría Salazar, lawyer, Guayaquil