300 foreign observers will supervise the sectional elections

A total of 11 delegations from international oversight, integrated by around 300 people, established by the Organization of American States (OAS) and members of the Union of South American Nations (Unasur), will supervise  the elections of February 23.

Both missions were already in the country for the presidential elections of February 17, 2013 and issued a series of suggestions for this process. Along with the other nine missions, they will participate in two key activities: the simulacrum of January 26, as well as the test of electronic voting in Azuay and Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, to be carried out on February

1 and 2.

Since mid-February, they will settle permanently in the country until the completion of the elections and will deliver the report and suggestions.

Paul Salazar, Vice President of the CNE, said that they have implemented the recommendations of last year, as handing over the electoral rolls to the political parties and movements. On the other hand, there are others that are underway, such as the training to members of polling stations and the intermediate scrutiny boards.

The most delicate recommendation raised by the OAS was to “reduce the risks associated with the use of public resources for electoral purposes”.

The CNE has traveled the country, along with the Comptroller’s Office monitoring the early campaign, according to a report there has

been an expenditure of USD 199 732. The counselor, Roxana Silva, announced that it was counted 4 860 pieces of  evidence of such offences, which will be charged to the expense. That is, for the moment, the only action that can be taken by the governing body.

These risk reduction “is accomplished with more controls”, says Salazar. To strengthen surveillance, Sifuturo firm, won the tender of the CNE to monitor the media for 24 hours during  the 45 days of the campaign. During this time the candidates can only advertise with State funds.