Noboa out of options to stop Abad from assuming duties; Former candidate warns of election violence; Noboa rejects Ibero-American Summit criticism

Two months before the official beginning of the election campaign, legal experts say President Daniel Noboa is almost out of options for preventing Vice President Verónica Abad from assuming presidential duties during the campaign. Under the constitution, a president seeking reelection must turn over the presidency to the vice president during the campaign.

According to constitutional law professor Guillermo Vargas, the recent ruling against Abad for a campaign violation does not disqualify her from assuming the presidency. Contentious Electoral Tribunal Judge Ivonne Coloma fined Abad $8,500 for beginning her 2022 campaign for mayor of Cuenca two weeks before the official start of campaigning. “It was a serious infraction but does not rise to the level for dismissal from the vice presidency,” Vargas said.

President Daniel Noboa and Vice President Verónica Abad following their 2023 election victory.

According to Vargas, other efforts against Abad, including the complaint that she did not follow a presidential order to relocate from Israel to Turkey, have also failed or have fallen short of disqualifying her. “The president is still pursuing other options, but I don’t believe they will pass muster with the courts.”

Vargas believes the issue of Abad’s temporary assumption of the presidency has been overblown. “My opinion is that it will happen, as it should, but will have little impact on the election. It has made headlines, of course, but I think Noboa’s fears are unfounded.”

Noboa and Abad had a personal falling out within weeks of their election victory last year, the reasons of which have not been revealed. Noboa subsequently assigned Abad to be ambassador to Israel.

Former candidate warns of election violence
Former presidential candidate Christian Zurita says the February election campaign could turn violent. Zurita became the Construye party presidential candidate last year following the assassination of Fernando Villavicencio.

“I believe we are facing a violent election process,” Zurita said in a NotiMundo Estelar interview. “I worry that political campaigns could reach the level of bloodshed we have witnessed in Colombia and Mexico. My concern is not only for the presidential campaign but for the [National] Assembly campaign as well, especially in the coastal provinces.”

Two announced presidential candidates, Pedro Granja and Jan Topic, have reported receiving death threats. “I’m afraid we will see many more threats and that some of them may be carried out,” Zurita said.

Noboa rejects Ibero-American Summit protest
The International Committee for Freedom of Jorge Glas is protesting Ecuador’s and Cuenca’s selection to host the XXIX Ibero-American Summit of Heads of State.

President Daniel Noboa reacted to the committee’s statement. “Their position of support for a convicted criminal is not only absurd but demonstrates a clear contempt for the well-being of Cuenca and the Ecuadorians,” he said.

The summit, which begins next week, brings together leaders of Spain, Portugal and most Latin American countries. Among those expected to attend the event is Spanish King Felipe VI.