Ecuador was the first Latin American country to successfully move from military rule to a multi-party decentralised democracy based on the rule of law, following a referendum in 1978. However the Republic has endured recurrent periods of political instability during the past decade that have eroded the strength of the state, and weakened the public sector. Historically there has been little co-operation between political parties and the political instability is reflected in the fact that few recent leaders have finished their term in office: there were seven Presidents between 1996 and 2007.
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Ecuador
Political Groups
G77
Global Climate Risk Index
103.83
Targets
World Bank Income Group
Upper middle income
Share of Global Emissions
0.2%
Documents
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Organic Law to promote private initiative in energy generation, classified as urgent in economic matters
2024Legislative
This law establishes a framework to encourage private investment in renewable and transitional energy sources, aiming to address Ecuador’s energy crisis while advancing the country's commitment to sustainable development. It promotes diversification of the energy matrix, transitioning to cleaner technologies, and enhancing energy efficiency across public and private sector...
The Master Plan for Electricity 2023 – 2032
2024Policy
The Master Plan for Electricity 2023–2032 serves as a strategic policy framework to ensure Ecuador's electricity supply meets national demand sustainably and efficiently over the next decade, in a current energetic crisis. Guided by constitutional principles, it prioritises renewable energy expansion, energy efficiency, and infrastructure modernisation to support a transit...
National Development Plan for the New Ecuador (2024–2025)
2024Policy
The National Development Plan for the New Ecuador (2024–2025) is the country’s roadmap for sustainable and equitable development, mandated by Ecuador’s Constitution (arts. 3, 279, and 280), which requires the state to plan for national development, eradicate poverty, and promote sustainable resource management. The plan, guided by the principles of “Buen Vivir” (Good Livin...
Targets (8)
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- 10% less GHG emissions from agricultural lands which use fertilisers, as a result of alternative, less polluting fertilisers by 2013 against a 2009 baselineAgriculture: Agriculture · Target year: 2013Source: National Strategy on Climate Change 2012-2025 (Ministerial Accord No. 095)
- 40% less cases of malaria derived in large part from climate changes consequences by 2013 against a 2009 baselineHealth: Adaptation · Target year: 2013Source: National Strategy on Climate Change 2012-2025 (Ministerial Accord No. 095)
- 35% of households will live in housing that is inadequate for resist climate change impacts or is in disaster risk areas by 2013 against a 2009 baselineDisaster Risk Management (Drm): Disaster Preparedness · Target year: 2013Source: National Strategy on Climate Change 2012-2025 (Ministerial Accord No. 095)
- At least 100,000 hectares of native species vegetation are recovered through restoration and reforestation by 2013 against a 2009 baselineLULUCF: Afforestation · Target year: 2013Source: National Strategy on Climate Change 2012-2025 (Ministerial Accord No. 095)
- 20,000 hectares of native vegetation are reforested or restores for carbon storage purposes by 2013 against a 2009 baselineLULUCF: Afforestation · Target year: 2013Source: National Strategy on Climate Change 2012-2025 (Ministerial Accord No. 095)
Legislative Process
These factors contributed to Ecuador’s constitution being rewritten in 2008, the country’s 20th such change. In 2009 the unicameral 137-seat National Assembly was created, which replaced the Legislative Commission. Assembly members were elected in 2021 by popular vote for a four-year term on a party list mostly-proportional representation system. The new constitution also allows the president and vice-president to be elected for four-year terms. The president in turn appoints a 38-member cabinet. These changes appear to have heralded a new period of political stability, with the incumbent President being re-elected in early 2013.
Ecuador’s Constitution is “the supreme law of the land and prevails over any other legal regulatory framework. The standards and acts of public power must be upheld in conformity with the provisions of the Constitution; otherwise, they shall not be legally binding” (Article 424). The body in charge of controlling, constitutionally interpreting and administering justice is the Constitutional Court, which enjoys administrative and financial autonomy.
Ecuador’s Constitution is “the supreme law of the land and prevails over any other legal regulatory framework. The standards and acts of public power must be upheld in conformity with the provisions of the Constitution; otherwise, they shall not be legally binding” (Article 424). The body in charge of controlling, constitutionally interpreting and administering justice is the Constitutional Court, which enjoys administrative and financial autonomy.
In the judiciary, the National Court of Justice is elected by an independent body of professionals, the Judiciary Council. Judges are elected for nine years. Candidates for the Constitutional Court are selected by the president, government officials and the Supreme Court, with the judges finally appointed by the National Assembly for two-year terms.