Ecuadorian Electoral Council Plenary Lacks Quorum Amidst Member Disconnects

The Ecuadorian National Electoral Council (CNE) was thrown into disarray when two of its members, José Cabrera and Elena Nájera, disconnected from a scheduled session, leaving President Diana Atamaint without the necessary quorum to proceed.

The failed session on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, prevented the CNE from addressing critical agenda items. Among these was the crucial project to initiate the process for receiving, verifying, and qualifying candidates for the Citizen Participation and Social Control Council for the 2027-2031 term.

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I cannot allow your ally (Merino), to whom you give trips in exchange for voting with you, without contributing anything, I will proceed to withdraw.

The situation escalated when, prior to the quorum count, Council member Elena Nájera directly accused President Atamaint of engaging in a "game" detrimental to the institution and democracy. Nájera alleged that Atamaint had "maliciously" changed the session's start time to ensure the presence of another council member, José Merino, while disregarding a maternity leave request from Council member Esthela Acero.

Following a heated exchange with Merino, Nájera declared her departure, stating, "I cannot allow your ally (Merino), to whom you give trips in exchange for voting with you, without contributing anything, I will proceed to withdraw." She further admonished Atamaint, "Stop being screwed to a position... the people, the citizens demand that you leave, and hopefully, you take Council member Merino with you."

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Stop being screwed to a position... the people, the citizens demand that you leave, and hopefully, you take Council member Merino with you.