CNE defines milestone dates for the 2021 elections

The countdown to the 2021 elections began. The plenary session of the National Electoral Council ( CNE ) approved, with the vote of 4 councilors and the abstention of Luis Verdesoto , the electoral calendar .

CNE defines milestone dates for the 2021 elections

In this way, the first electoral round will take place on Sunday, February 7 , in which – in addition – national assembly members, provincial assembly members and Andean parliamentarians will be elected.

While the second presidential round was set for Sunday, April 11, and thus the next President of the Republic can take office on May 24, as ordered by the Constitution . In addition, consider the mandatory holding of two presidential debates , one before each round.

Minister Esthela Acero mentioned that the election agenda was prepared jointly with the judges of the Electoral Dispute Tribunal (TCE), so that the activities of both entities do not collide.

Likewise, the CNE declared the beginning of the electoral process and the electoral period , which comprise all the activities and operations that must be carried out in the different stages and that are manifested in the calendar.

However, the organisation’s vice president, Enrique Pita , and counselor Luis Verdesoto voted against this. Pita mentioned that the difference between process and period is not clear in the norm , so the CNE must first declare only the electoral period.

While Verdesoto said that it is necessary to consult the Office of the Attorney on the issue of the difference and the legal implications of these terms.

The CNE president, Diana Atamaint, indicated that when the electoral period is declared, the institution she directs becomes the highest authority while the entire process unfolds .

With this, the CNE authorities will be able to activate the collaboration of other state institutions. “And they will also mobilize resources for the purposes of organizing the elections,” said lawyer Esteban Ron .

He clarified that during this period , it is mistakenly believed that immunity is granted to electoral authorities.

According to the law, what may occur is an infraction by other authorities if they impede in any way the normal development of the different stages of the elections . ( I )