CIDH urges Ecuador to guarantee pluralism for 2026 elections

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (CIDH) has expressed concern regarding the upcoming 2026 sectional elections in Ecuador. Originally scheduled for February 2027, the National Electoral Council (CNE) moved the elections to November 29, 2026, citing potential disruptions from the El Niño phenomenon. This change has shortened the timeframe for internal party elections and candidate registration.

The CIDH is calling on the Ecuadorian state to ensure pluralism, equality, and judicial guarantees during the electoral process. The commission highlighted recent administrative and judicial actions affecting political organizations, including attempts to cancel the Unidad Popular party and the Construye movement by the CNE, as well as the suspension of the Revolución Ciudadana (RC) and Amigo movement by the Electoral Contentious Tribunal (TCE).

Regarding the suspensions, the TCE stated that the Democracy Code was activated following requests from the Prosecutor's Office due to alleged money laundering investigations involving the RC and Amigo movements. The CIDH emphasized that any restriction on political participation must be legally prescribed, pursue a legitimate end, and be necessary and proportional.