Quito Council Rejects Political Bans, Demands Democratic Guarantees for 2026 Elections

The Metropolitan Council of Quito has passed a resolution rejecting political proscription and demanding full democratic guarantees for the upcoming 2026 elections. The council voted 11 in favor of the resolution during a session on Tuesday, July 21, 2026.

This pronouncement arises in response to recent political developments in Ecuador, including the suspension of political groups such as the Amigo movement, reported on July 17, 2026, and modifications to the electoral calendar for the 2026 sectional elections. The Quito council warned against measures that could jeopardize the citizens' right to choose from a diverse range of options.

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The way to strengthen that democracy is by increasing the options for the people to choose and not by decreasing the options.

Quito's Mayor Pabel Muñoz described the current situation as a profound weakening of democratic principles. He emphasized that strengthening institutions requires expanding, not diminishing, the choices available to voters. "The way to strengthen that democracy is by increasing the options for the people to choose and not by decreasing the options," Muñoz stated. He also recalled that the municipal administration is committed to upholding the city's historical defense of freedom and democratic processes.

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Limiting institutional participation by canceling electoral options generates severe risks for social stability.

During the debate, council members voiced their concerns. Emilio Uzcátegui, who proposed the initiative, warned that limiting institutional participation by canceling electoral options poses severe risks to social stability, noting that the early elections have compressed timelines for internal party democracy and alliance formation. Council member Andrés Campaña called the early elections combined with party suspensions an "outrage" affecting all citizens, while Adrián Ibarra described the National Electoral Council as a source of uncertainty in the current critical democratic process.

The resolution unequivocally rejects any exclusionary measures that restrict pluralism, reminding electoral authorities that diversity of options strengthens participation and that the ultimate decision rests with the sovereign vote of the population. The council also urged all branches of government to protect citizens' rights in the electoral process.

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The early elections combined with the suspension of parties is an outrage that directly affects citizens as a whole.