Ecuador faces concerns over democratic erosion and crime

Concerns have been raised regarding the degradation of institutional guarantees and democratic stability in Ecuador. Critics argue the government is utilizing electoral administration and control organisms to alter political competition by disqualifying opposition candidates and placing obstacles in front of political movements.

Juanita Goebertus, Director of Human Rights for the Americas, noted that the government appears to be more effective at reducing political opposition and civil society organizations than at addressing the advancement of organized crime within the territory. This focus on monitoring social organizations and the opposition, sometimes through accusations of money laundering, occurs while the public demands more effective responses to violence and criminal activity.