Ecuador - Political and electoral system
Political and administrative structure
A unitary state. Divided into 22 provinces, 219 cantons and 1,162 urban and rural parishes. See 1998 Constitution of the Republic of Ecuador and 1971 Municipal Law (amended in 1982).
National parliament
La Función Legislativa se ejerce por la Asamblea Nacional. Es un parlamento unicameral formado, actualmente, por 137 asambleístas distribuidos en quince (15) comisiones permanentes. La Asamblea Nacional elegirá a una Presidenta o Presidente y a dos Vicepresidentas o Vicepresidentes de entre sus miembros, para un período de dos años, y podrán ser reelegidos.
Municipal government
The mayor is the chief member of the municipal council, which he or she presides with a casting vote. Mayors are chosen by popular vote, and serve four- year terms. Their powers and responsibilities must be specified by law. At the cantonal level, mayors are elected as local authorities. Cantonal councils are collective organs of the municipal government. Their size varies, depending on the size of the community. At the smallest territorial level - parishes - rural parish boards are elected. These boards consist of five members, regardless of the size of the parish.
Duration of terms
While municipal councilpersons serve four-year terms, elections are held every two years, causing majorities and minorities to vary.
Representation system
Relative majority for mayors; proportional distribution, using the D'Hondt method, for councilpersons.
Type of list
Open for mayors and councilpersons.
Electoral constituency
Uninominal for mayors.
Quota and parity laws
See Laws.
Legal instruments applicable to municipalities
2008 Constitution of the Republic of Ecuador and 1971 Municipal System Law (amended in 1982).
Electoral Justice
The electoral system is comprised of the National Electoral Council and the Electoral Contentious Tribunal. Chapter Six - Electoral Function. Art. 217 - new Constitution. The National Electoral Court is responsible for organizing, directing, supervising and safeguarding electoral processes, as well as ensuring that political parties abide by the law. (Art. 219, new Constitution, Chapter Six - Section One) http://www.cne.gov.ec/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=19&Itemid=2 Query - 25 Nov. 2008