Correa Restricts the Work of the Media in 2013 Elections

Rafael Correa restricts the media

The document given by President Rafael Correa did not surprise the opposition parties, even when its methods changed the methods for the candidates running for provincial assembly. This new bill would rule the elections in 2013, Correa made this with a partial veto that he imposed in the electoral reforms.

The D’Hont method would be used for the candidates running for provincial assemblymen, while the national assemblymen would use the Webster method. Assembly members of minority parties warned that the D’Hont method would harm them while benefice PAIS political party. Correa used this moment to amplify the cases in which the state would be able to advertise during elections.

According to the document, all the levels of the government will be able to advertise ongoing projects, reports about closing of venues, emergency situations and “when it is require to inform about themes of national importance, like prevention campaigns, vaccines, public health, the beginning or suspension of schools, citizen safety and other of similar nature.”

Meanwhile the Ecuadorian president decided to restrict the media and its broadcast of information regarding the electoral process. In the veto its established, “they will abstain to make a direct or indirect promotion, be it through reports, specials and any other message that tends to be on favour or against a determined candidate, options, political preferences or political thesis.” (AV)