Ecuador closes candidate registration for 2026 sectional elections

Ecuador has concluded the registration period for the 2026 sectional elections, with the National Electoral Council (CNE) reporting approximately 40,751 candidacies submitted. The high number of political alliances, totaling 300 validated nationwide, has led to a lower total number of candidates than the projected 60,000.

The electoral process has caused significant shifts within the National Assembly. At least 21 assembly members have resigned their seats to run for local offices, necessitating a reorganization of legislative commissions, including Health, Oversight, and Decentralized Autonomous Governments. Assembly President Mishel Mancheno stated that these departures will not affect the parliament's overall legislative majority.

Following the August 17 deadline, the CNE and provincial electoral boards will begin reviewing documentation to ensure compliance with legal requirements, such as gender parity, age limits, and the absence of disqualifying factors like outstanding alimony debts or state contracts. The final list of qualified candidates is expected to be released on November 9, ahead of the elections scheduled for November 29, 2026.