Moreno urges quick approval of referendum questions, says corruption fight advances

President Lenin Moreno has asked Ecuador’s Constitutional Court to speed up the review of the seven questions that will be included in the popular referendum that goes to voters early next year. The court must approve the legality of the questions and consider citizen petitions, some of which request changes in wording.

President Lenin Moreno

“Nothing and nobody can, nor should, put restrictions on the people to make their own decisions on the questions that they consider important,” Moreno said in his Monday night address to the nation. “I am asking the judges to fulfill their obligation to meet the demands of the citizens.”

During his comments, Moreno praised the justice system for advancing Odebrecht corruption cases. On Monday, a three-judge panel was named by the National Court of Justice to hear charges against 13 defendants, including Vice President Jorge Glas. The trial begins Friday.

Moreno also announced a Christmas mission aimed at reducing begging during the Christmas season. “We are working with several ministries as well as with private organizations to assure the dignity and well-bing of all our citizens during this special season,” he said. The mission, which begins Saturday, will be headed by Moreno’s wife, Rocio González.