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Ecuador GovernmentThe constitution has been changed several times during Ecuador's life as a nation (the new one just finished in August 2008), although the republican, presidential system has been maintained throughout. The most outstanding versions of the constitution have been the first one in 1830, the liberal one in 1906, the 1946 one embodying social reforms, another one which has been in force since August 10, 1979, having been approved by referendum on January 15, 1978 and the latest one in August 2008. In 1998, the people chose representatives for a Constituent Assembly that studied the constitution for four months and made the amendments considered necessary. Ecuador government has Three Branches: Executive, Legislative and Judicial. The President, head of the Executive branch, is elected by direct, universal suffrage vote. The winner must obtain an absolute majority, i.e. over 50% of the votes cast. Should no candidate obtain such a majority, a second runoff election is held between the topmost two.
The Chief of State is also the top authority of the "Armed Forces" and, in times of crisis, has special powers. The current President of Ecuador is "Rafael Correa" and has been in office since January 2007. The Legislative branch comprises the Chamber of Representatives (a unicameral system). This Congress has 121 members, of whom 20 are national and the rest are provincial representatives. The Supreme Court of Justice, whose members are appointed by the Congress, and Superior Courts of Justice in each province. Some constitutional scholars consider the electoral authority as an actual fourth branch of Ecuador government. It is independent of the other three branches, and comprises the Supreme Electoral Tribunal and the provincial tribunals, all appointed by Congress. This authority organizes elections and referendums, and proclaims the winners. There are governors in each province. According to the law, there should have been one in Pichincha starting on 1996 but the first and only one was removed from his duty after seen that he was just slowing down the processes. Each governor is appointed by the president of the Republic and acts as the president's representative in that province. Ecuador is divided politically into provinces, cantons and parishes. In those cantons containing the provincial capital, there is according to an institution held over from the colonial period, a Mayor elected by popular vote, who administers the canton. In Ecuador government the mayor has another important duty, it is that of granting orders of habeas corpus. For example, immediate release of persons detained without having followed legal procedures. On September 2007, the people from Ecuador chose (once again) representatives for a Constituent Assembly that will study the constitution for around four months and will make the necessary amendments considered necessary. UPDATE: This new constitution was finished in August 2008 and was approved by the people of Ecuador. Ecuador Recommended Reading:Footprint Ecuador & Galapagos (Footprint Ecuador and Galapagos Handbook) From the Galapagos Islands that inspired the theory of evolution, to a valley where people live forever, from the centre of the earth to the Avenue of the Volcanoes, Ecuador excites and amazes at every turn. This highly acclaimed guide is essential for all free-spirited travelers. (One of the best books I ever read about Ecuador) Ecuador: Climbing and Hiking Guide
The Galapagos Islands Archipelago  Custom Search If you have any questions about Ecuador Government or if you'd like to request more information about our recommended Galapagos Island Tours to explore this Archipelago, You can Contact us here To Galapagos Islands Home Page
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