Polls & Research

Dissatisfaction with Congress Continues in Ecuador

(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many Ecuadorians give low marks to their elected representatives, according to a poll by Informe Confidencial. Only 11 per cent of respondents in Quito—and 14 per cent of respondents in Guayaquil—rate the performance of the National Congress as good or very good.

In December 2004, the National Congress dismissed 27 of the country's 31 Supreme Court justices. President Lucio Gutiérrez had accused some judges of favouring political opponents who sought to impeach him. The new tribunal threw out pending charges of corruption and mishandling of funds against former presidents Abdalá Bucaram and Gustavo Noboa.

Public protests against Gutiérrez intensified following the Supreme Court's decision. In mid-April, Gutiérrez instituted a 24-hour state of emergency. On Apr. 20, the National Congress voted to oust the head of state and replace him with vice-president Alfredo Palacio.

Last month, the Ecuadorian government announced that a public referendum on institutional reforms would take place on Dec. 11. Current vice-president Alejandro Serrano said the process would entail a six-week dialogue with all sectors of the South American country, in order to develop specific proposals.

Yesterday, the National Congress expelled Gilmar Gutiérrez—the former president's brother—after a 61-4 vote. Gutiérrez, the leader of the Patriotic Society (SP) faction, was stripped after acknowledging responsibility in a misappropriation of public funds case.

The next congressional election in Ecuador is tentatively scheduled for October 2006. Thirteen political parties are currently represented in the South American country's legislative branch.

Polling Data

Quito - How would you rate the performance of the National Congress?

Guayaquil - How would you rate the performance of the National Congress?