'March of the Torches' in Ecuador calls for recall of President Daniel Noboa

In Quito, Ecuador, a group of citizens held a "March of the Torches" on Saturday, advocating for the recall of President Daniel Noboa's mandate. This symbolic march is part of a citizen vigil demanding the recall and respect for participation rights, which will continue until the National Electoral Council (CNE) provides the necessary forms for signature collection.

Washington Andrade, the general coordinator of the Citizen Platform for the recall of Noboa and Vice President María José Pinto, told EFE that the march aims to "demand transparency in the darkness that the CNE maintains in this recall process, which is a citizen process." He emphasized that the peaceful march seeks the CNE's delivery of the signature collection forms to advance the recall initiative.

Andrade stated that the call was national, with citizens planning to gather in front of CNE delegations in various provinces. "We hope this happens throughout the country. As this is a citizen self-convocation, we expect more people to join," he said, noting the support of over one hundred social organizations, including the indigenous organization Ecuarunari led by former CONAIE president Leonidas Iza.

The CNE has fifteen days to respond, and organizers expect the forms to be delivered after July 10th. Andrade encouraged citizens to exercise their right to participate and resist "peacefully but firmly." The initiative "Revoca EC" formally requested the forms on June 9th and announced a "permanent vigil" and marches after the president requested the dismissal of the process against him. "Revoca EC" believes Noboa and Pinto have failed to fulfill their duties and government plan. However, the Presidency submitted extensive documentation to the CNE, arguing that the recall request lacks objective grounds and fails to meet legal requirements.