Correa Pushes Reforms, Tells Citizens to “Trust in the Government”

By R. Renee Yaworsky
Impunity Watch Reporter, South America

QUITO, Ecuador—President of Ecuador, Rafael Correa, has proposed new constitutional reforms that many see as an effort by the unpopular leader to draw support.  Correa submitted ten questions to the Constitutional Court, including reforms targeting crime and the economy.

Correa is attempting to appear tough on crime in a country that has been swamped by criminals.  One of Correa’s sought reforms would alter a preventative detention law that allows detainees to be let go if they have not gone to trial within one year.  He also desires to revoke measures currently taken to protect suspects accused of serious crimes.  Another proposal would prohibit bullfighting and gambling.

“These people have come to kill and rob, and we must respond to that reality,” Correa announced to gain support for his proposals.  He added that he wanted to discourage “corruption and incompetence.”

Furthermore, Correa would like to decrease the number of justices on the Judiciary Council (there are currently nine.)

Carlos Vera, an ex-television anchorman, has spearheaded an effort to overturn the president’s mandate.  1.579 million signatures would be needed to have Vera’s request examined, and Vera said he has already acquired 79 percent.  Vera has objected to Correa’s proposals, citing similarities to Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez’s “authoritarian” ruling style.  Correa and Chavez are political allies.

Correa is in the midst of a four year term and may run for office again in 2013.  In September, 2010, a violent police uprising occurred that Correa (and many others) viewed as a thwarted coup.  Analysts theorize that Correa’s present proposed referendum is an effort to regain power and legitimacy.  Three of the president’s predecessors were thrown out of office before completing their terms.

Correa made a televised address to defend his reforms.  “Trust in the government,” he appealed to citizens, before saying he would resort to referendums “as many times as necessary” to obtain his reforms.

The Constitutional Court will need to verify the legality of Correa’s submitted questions before they can be sent to the Electoral Council for approval.

For more information, please see:

CNN-Ecuador president pushes for referendum-18 January 2011

AFP-Ecuador’s Correa seeks judicial, economic reforms-18 January 2011

Wall Street Journal-Ecuador President Sends to Constitutional Court Referendum Questions-17 January 2011

Author: Impunity Watch Archive