The Ecuadorian leader invoked a procedure known as “mutual death,” whereby the opposition-led National Assembly is dissolved and snap elections will be called, according to a decree published on the website of the presidency.
The president’s decision to instate muerte cruzada means that Lasso can rule by decree until elections are held for a new president and legislative body. The elections will take place within the next 90 days, according to Ecuador’s Electoral Council president Diana Atamaint.
Calls for Lasso’s resignation have grown louder in recent months as the country is engulfed by a cost-of-living crisis and high rates of criminal violence.
But the “mutual death” announcement has halted impeachment proceedings against Lasso in the National Assembly, which began yesterday. Lawmakers had accused the President of interfering in the negotiation of a shipping contract related to the export of oil products. He has denied all allegations and claims they are politically motivated.
Lasso said his order for snap elections was the “best decision to pave the way for hope.” He argued his decision was the way to stop political confrontation in the country, adding that the crisis cost Ecuador millions of dollars.
“This is a new moment for optimism. Let’s build a better future for Ecuador,” he told the nation in an address on Wednesday.
“This is a democratic decision not only because it’s constitutional, but also it allows you to decide on your future,” Lasso said.
Former Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa, who is a left-wing opposition leader, said on Twitter that Lasso’s move was “illegal” but also a “great opportunity to get rid of Lasso, his government and his rented assembly members, and recover the country.”
Ecuador’s opposition and influential federation of Indigenous organizations have previously promised mass protests if Lasso instated muerte cruzada.
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