Ecuador's sectional elections: What happens after candidate registration closes

Ecuador's electoral calendar is moving forward following the close of candidate registrations for the sectional elections on August 17, 2026. The National Electoral Council (CNE) is now preparing for the November 29 vote, where citizens will choose a wide range of local officials.

On election day, Ecuadorians will select 23 prefects, 222 mayors, 909 urban and district council members, 457 rural council members, and 4,131 parish council members. A total of 53,534 candidates registered for these positions, aiming to serve from 2027 onwards.

However, registration does not guarantee a spot on the ballot. Candidates must undergo a review of their requirements, and their candidacies are subject to challenges and appeals filed with the Electoral Contentious Tribunal (TCE). As of Tuesday afternoon, around 100 challenges had been lodged nationwide.

Key dates in the electoral process include the selection of Vote Reception Board members on September 2, with training sessions running from September 7 to November 29. The CNE will publish the official list of registered candidates on November 9. The election campaign and debates are scheduled from November 12 to 26, followed by a period of electoral silence from November 27 to 29. National simulations are planned for November 1 and 15.

Special voting arrangements include incarcerated individuals without final sentences voting on November 26 and a "vote at home" program on November 27. The general election will take place on November 29. Newly elected sectional authorities are set to take office on May 14, 2027.

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the inscription of these candidacies does not guarantee that their names will appear on the ballot paper, that is, they are not yet firm.