Ecuadorian political figures face electoral and legal complaints

Ecuadorian political figures and organizations are facing legal challenges ahead of the 2026 elections. Jorge Yunda, a candidate for Mayor of Quito, and Carla Cevallos, an aspirant for the Prefecture of Pichincha, are facing a complaint before the Contencioso Electoral Tribunal (TCE). The complaint alleges premature campaigning, specifically citing “risoterapia” (laughter therapy) events in Quito neighborhoods where candidates allegedly interacted with citizens and distributed materials.

Separately, the Ecuadorian Socialist Party (PSE) has rejected allegations filed with the State Attorney General's Office regarding the suspected forgery of signatures during primary elections. The complaint reportedly targets party president Gustavo Vallejo and other leaders concerning candidacies in the Guayas province. The PSE maintains that its processes comply with the law and argues that such electoral controversies should be handled by electoral authorities rather than the criminal justice system.