Ecuador: El nuevo sistema político en funcionamiento

Abstract

The validity of the new Constitution and election of new state authorities should lead to the definitive closure of a long period of political instability in Ecuador. The strong support received by President Correa during his administration and his reelection in the first round could be interpreted as positive signs for achieving those goals. However, three aspects appear to be obstacles to the fully establishment of a new order able to ensure good governance and stability, in a context where progress has been made as to popular representation and participation. First, the permanence of negative aspects of institutional design that were not made part of the constitutional reform. Second, hegemonic leadership by the President which serves as an obstacle to the institutionalization of the process. Third, the notion of the process as a revolution, which encourages polarization and feeds a game of absolute winners and losers.