Ecuadorian Electoral Tribunal archives complaint against Roberta Zambrano

The Electoral Contentious Tribunal (TCE) of Ecuador has ordered the archiving of a legal complaint against Roberta Zambrano, the ADN party candidate for Mayor of Esmeraldas. The case, filed by Linder Maximiliano Altafuya Loor, alleged serious electoral infractions involving the distribution of gifts and early campaign activities during a public bingo event.

Judge Juan Patricio Maldonado dismissed the case due to procedural deficiencies rather than a ruling on the merits of the allegations. The judge noted that the complainant failed to rectify formal errors within the allotted 48-hour period. Specifically, the court cited three reasons for the dismissal: a lack of clarity in distinguishing between different types of infractions, the submission of simple copies as evidence which lack official probative value, and the provision of insufficient address information for formal notification.

The ruling clarifies that the archiving does not constitute a declaration of innocence or guilt regarding the alleged actions, but rather a response to the failure to meet admissibility requirements. Under the Code of Democracy, proven violations involving the distribution of gifts can result in fines or removal from office.