The COE plans to recommend the CNE remove sanctions for flood-affected Ecuadorians, following the president’s statement on fine exemptions. Legal experts criticize this as a violation of electoral law, arguing it manipulates voter behavior.
On Wednesday, the Emergency Operations Committee (COE) announced plans to request the National Electoral Council (CNE) to lift economic sanctions for Ecuadorians residing in flood-affected provinces. This initiative follows an earlier statement by the president, who is running for re-election, suggesting the elimination of fines in these areas.
Melania Carrión, a lawyer and political scientist, argued that the proposal to exempt fines contradicts electoral law. During an interview on Radio Pichincha, she emphasized that the CNE currently lacks the authority to alter electoral regulations.
Carrión characterized Noboa’s proposal as a strategic move aimed at influencing voter turnout in his favor. She views this as not only an effort to curry favor with specific groups but also to manipulate the electoral process and impact voter participation.
The proposed exemption from electoral fines for flood-affected regions has raised significant legal concerns. Experts assert that it violates existing electoral laws and could be perceived as an attempt to manipulate voter behavior. This development underscores the complexities within the electoral framework in Ecuador during crisis situations.
Original Source: www.plenglish.com
