The president of Ecuador, Guillermo Lasso, dissolved the National Assembly this Wednesday (17), bringing forward legislative and presidential elections. The decree was signed one day after presenting his defense in the impeachment process. Lasso denies allegations that he turned a blind eye to alleged corruption related to a contract with state-owned oil transport company Flopec. He said that his government made changes to the document signed years before his inauguration to benefit the state, on the advice of Ecuador’s Comptroller. A majority of lawmakers backed a resolution saying Lasso allowed the corrupt contract to continue, although a congressional oversight committee, which heard testimony from opposition lawmakers, officials and the president’s lawyer, did not recommend impeachment in its report. To remove Lasso from office would require 92 votes out of a total of 137 members. The vote to continue the process received 88. The country’s constitution enshrines so-called “two-way death” – allowing Lasso to call elections for both his office and the assembly under certain circumstances, including if actions by the legislature are blocking the functioning of the government. The president invoked the measure, citing the serious political crisis in Ecuador. He will remain in office for up to six months, ruling by decree, while national election authorities set the date for elections. Ecuador’s Electoral Court must decide on a date for new elections within seven days of the dissolution of the assembly. Matter amended at 10:22 am today (17/05) to add information. *Reproduction of this content is prohibited.
Agência Brasil
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