CNN –
Ecuador’s embattled President Guillermo Lasso, who faced an impeachment vote, has enacted a constitutional clause to dissolve the government, a politically sensitive move that could spark protests as the country already grapples with a fragile security situation.
The Ecuadorian leader invoked a procedure called “mutual death” that will see the opposition-led National Assembly dissolved and snap elections called, according to a decree published on the president’s website.
The President’s decision to install Muerte Cruzada means Lasso can rule by decree pending elections for a new president and legislature. According to Diana Atamaint, President of the Ecuadorian Electoral Council, the elections will take place within the next 90 days.
Calls for Lasso’s resignation have grown louder in recent months as the country is plagued by a cost-of-living crisis and high crime rates.
But the announcement of “mutual deaths” halted the impeachment proceedings against Lasso in the National Assembly that had been initiated yesterday. Lawmakers had accused the president of interfering in the negotiation of a shipping contract for the export of oil products. He has denied all allegations, claiming they are politically motivated.
Dolores Ochoa/AP
Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso, pictured in Quito May 16, 2023, triggered a constitutional clause to dissolve the government.
Lasso said his ordering of early elections was the “best decision to pave the way for hope.” He argued that his decision was the way to stop political confrontation in the country, adding that the crisis had cost Ecuador millions of dollars.
“This is a new moment for optimism. Let’s build a better future for Ecuador,” he told the nation in an address on Wednesday.
“This is a democratic decision, not only because it’s constitutional, but because it also allows you to choose your future,” Lasso said.
Former Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa, a left-wing opposition leader, said on Twitter Lasso’s move was “illegal” but also a “great opportunity to get rid of Lasso, his government and his hired MPs and restore the country.”
Ecuador’s opposition and the influential association of indigenous organizations have previously promised mass protests if Lasso were to declare Muerte Cruzada.
Karen Toro/Portal
Lasso will testify before the National Assembly on Wednesday as part of the impeachment trial against him over alleged corruption.
“Lasso is beset by high-profile corruption scandals, criminal investigations, an impeachment trial, a crumbling security environment and record-low approval ratings,” Guillaume Long, former Ecuadorian foreign minister in Correa’s government, told CNN. “Dissolving the Ecuadorian Congress is a reckless move by a weakened and discredited President.”
Following Lasso’s announcement, members of the Ecuadorian National Police were seen standing guard outside the building that houses the country’s National Assembly. The police said they guard the facilities to ensure the safety of citizens and public order.
Ecuador’s Chief of the Joint Command of the Armed Forces, Nelson Proano, told Ecuadorian citizens that Lasso’s decision was constitutional and must be respected. “This country will not accept any attempt to disrupt constitutional order and democracy through violence,” he added.
It is normal for the armed forces and police in South American countries to give a declaration of support to a current government in crisis in order to prevent rumors of a coup.
The President has suffered a loss of political capital in recent months. On Sunday, opposition MP Virgilio Saquicela was re-elected as assembly president by 96 votes, while Lasso’s coalition holds 25 seats in the legislative chamber — a scenario that could give the opposition a chance of winning enough votes to authorize impeachment.
Will Freeman, a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, said using Muerte Cruzada “would absolutely lead to instability.”
“Lasso is too unpopular to capitalize on the impression that he’s overriding controls to finally get something done,” he told CNN ahead of Wednesday’s announcement.