CNE officializes call for 2027 sectional elections

The National Electoral Council (CNE) of Ecuador has formalized the call for the 2027 sectional elections, which are scheduled to take place on November 29, 2026. More than 13.8 million voters across the nation will participate in electing local authorities and representatives for the Citizen Participation and Social Control Council (Cpccs).

The electoral process officially began on Friday, July 31, 2026, with the CNE's announcement. The upcoming elections will see citizens choose officials for the 2027-2031 term. This includes electing 23 provincial prefects and vice prefects, 222 municipal mayors, 909 urban council members, 457 rural council members, 4,131 rural parish board members, and seven councilors for the Cpccs.

A notable aspect of this electoral cycle is the digitalization of the candidate registration process. Political organizations must submit candidacies exclusively through the CNE's online system between August 2 and August 17, eliminating the need for in-person visits. The formal announcement of this electoral call will be broadcast via radio and television on August 1, shortly before the digital registration period opens.

Candidates must meet specific requirements, including being at least 18 years old and residing within the jurisdiction they wish to represent. Required documentation includes a national ID card, a photograph, a resume, a work plan, and a sworn statement. The CNE has emphasized strict adherence to identification rules, requiring candidates to use their real names without nicknames or initials, and limiting names to 30 characters.