Esteban Torres Leads Ecuador's National Assembly During Mishel Mancheno's Maternity Leave

Ecuadorian President of the National Assembly Mishel Mancheno has taken a temporary maternity leave following the birth of her first daughter. Under Article 16 of the Organic Law of Legislative Function, first vice‑president Esteban Torres will assume the Assembly’s presidency on an interim basis, ensuring uninterrupted parliamentary activity.

Mancheno had been appointed president on 8 June 2026 after the resignation of Niels Olsen. Torres, elected first vice‑president with 84 votes in favour, will oversee the legislative agenda and maintain the Assembly’s operations until Mancheno returns. The transition follows the legal mechanisms designed to avoid any paralysis of the legislative body during her leave.