This archive report was first published on 20 July 2020.
On July 19, 2020, Ecuador's National Electoral Council made a crucial decision to suspend four political organizations, including the Fuerza Compromiso Social party, led by former President Rafael Correa.
The council's decision was made in response to a request from the State Comptroller General's office, which had observed irregularities in the registration processes for the four political groups.
The suspended parties, which also include Podemos, Libertad es Pueblo, and Justicia Social, will not be able to participate in the 2021 elections for president and assembly members.
Former President Correa, who was in office from 2007-2017, is currently living in exile in Belgium. He was sentenced in absentia in April to eight years in prison for corruption during his 10-year term.
With seven months to go until Ecuador's general elections, there are still no proclaimed presidential candidates for the 2021-2025 term. Correa had previously expressed interest in running for the vice presidency, but his political career is now effectively finished due to his conviction for bribery, illicit enrichment, and embezzlement.
