Ecuador's Assembly Creates New Borbón Canton in Esmeraldas

The National Assembly of Ecuador voted unanimously, with all 139 legislators in favor, to establish Borbón as the eighth canton of Esmeraldas province. The new canton will comprise twelve parishes, including Borbón (the cantonal seat), Anchayacu, Atahualpa, Luis Vargas Torres, Maldonado, San Francisco de Ónzole, Santo Domingo de Ónzole, Selva Alegre, Telembí, Colón Eloy del María, San José de Cayapas and Timbiré.

The law mandates the National Electoral Council (CNE) to update the electoral registry for Borbón’s residents within 45 days, after which local elections will be organized. A technical commission will oversee the transfer of assets, liabilities, cadastral data, contracts and public services to ensure continuity. Lawmakers highlighted that the reorganization aims to bring public administration closer to citizens, improve service delivery, and promote economic, social, cultural and environmental development in the area.