Ecuador's National Electoral Council restructures leadership after eight years

Diana Atamaint concluded her nearly eight-year tenure as president of Ecuador's National Electoral Council (CNE) on Thursday, June 11, 2026. The CNE's plenary session resulted in a change of leadership, appointing José Cabrera as the new president.

The decision was made during an extraordinary session convened to determine the institution's administrative, legal, and extrajudicial representation. Counselor Esthela Acero put forward Cabrera's nomination, which was subsequently approved. The session took place in person at the CNE auditorium, marking a return to physical meetings after several months of virtual gatherings.

This leadership transition occurs as the CNE is actively managing the calendar for the November 2026 sectional elections. The change also comes amid scrutiny of the CNE's recent decisions, internal conflicts among its counselors, and complaints from political organizations. Political analyst Alfredo Espinosa views Atamaint's departure not merely as an administrative shift but as a reflection of a realignment of power within the CNE, suggesting that shifting internal alliances have altered the council's dynamics.

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The decision was made during an extraordinary session convened to determine the institution's administrative, legal, and extrajudicial representation.