Ecuadorian public institutional trust trends

In early September 2026, Ecuadorian citizens expressed deep distrust toward the political establishment ahead of the November 29 elections. This dissatisfaction was attributed to years of corruption, impunity, and a perceived lack of political renewal, as voters noted the frequent recurrence of the same political dynasties amidst crises involving organized crime, insecurity, and unemployment.

By late September, public opinion surveys indicated a divergence in institutional trust. While political and judicial bodies continued to face low support—with the Council for Public Participation and Social Control receiving only 24.38% approval and the National Assembly 28.29%—approval for security forces rose significantly. The National Police reached a 69.49% approval rating, up from 53.09% in January 2026, while the Armed Forces held the highest approval at 75.98%.

Despite these shifts in institutional perception, the national outlook remains grim; 62.19% of respondents expressed a negative mood regarding the country’s situation, with a majority predicting conditions will worsen over the next six months.