Ecuador opens public challenge for attorney general candidates

Ecuador's Council for Citizen Participation and Social Control (Cpccs) has initiated a public challenge phase for candidates vying for the position of State Attorney General. This move is part of the ongoing public competition for the role.

The challenge period, set to run from July 27 to July 31, 2026, allows citizens and social organizations to raise objections against the 27 candidates who successfully navigated the initial merit and re-qualification stages. Grounds for challenges include failure to meet legal requirements, lack of integrity or suitability, undisclosed conflicts of interest, or the submission of falsified documents.

In a related development, the Cpccs confirmed the disqualification of candidate José de la Gasca López-Domínguez, as no appeal was filed within the stipulated timeframe. This decision is now final.

Simultaneously, the Cpccs approved regulations for the selection of the top official at the Superintendency of Territorial Planning, Land Use, and Soil. This process will begin with a shortlist of candidates provided by the President of the Republic and will incorporate public oversight, scrutiny, and citizen challenges. Key requirements for this role include being an Ecuadorian citizen with political rights, holding a bachelor's degree, possessing at least five years of relevant professional experience, and demonstrating unquestionable integrity.