Can Pabel Muñoz still seek re-election as Mayor of Quito?

Quito Mayor Pabel Muñoz faces an uncertain electoral future after his political movement, Amigo, was provisionally suspended for nine months. The suspension, stemming from a preliminary investigation into alleged money laundering involving the movement and its directors, effectively halts Amigo's participation in electoral processes. This development occurred on July 17, 2026, just as Muñoz was preparing to seek re-election in the upcoming sectional elections. The suspension by the Electoral Contentious Tribunal (TCE) judge Juan Patricio Maldonado means Amigo is temporarily removed from the National Electoral Council's (CNE) registry, barring it from electoral activities or forming alliances. The deadline for registering alliances passed on July 18, further complicating matters. While the ruling does not directly suspend Muñoz's political rights, it casts doubt on his candidacy through Amigo. Electoral expert Esteban Ron suggests Muñoz could potentially join another political organization as a guest candidate. This would require a pre-candidate from that party to resign their bid, creating an opening. However, international lawyer Pablo Játiva notes that the tight electoral calendar and the conclusion of primary elections make this scenario challenging, as the suspended movement would be out of the process and a new one would need to sponsor Muñoz's potential candidacy.