The future of Participation is debated in the middle of the campaign

Ecuadornews:

With forty-three candidates making their merits known to become members of the Council for Citizen Participation and Social Control (CPCCS), an imminent election and a proposal from the transitory CPCCS itself to eliminate this body, the institution of citizen power created by the Government of Rafael Correa, returns to the eye of the hurricane.

Created in 2008, through the Constitution of Montecristi, the entity was responsible for five main functions: the promotion of citizen participation, social control through the creation of oversight and observatories, accountability, the fight against corruption in the public sector and the selection and appointment of 25 control authorities.

However, the review of the transitory CPCCS, formed after the 2018 referendum, revealed less than favorable results on the management of the previous entity, whose own authorities were dismissed amid criticism and constitutional demands.

They determined that numerous authorities appointed by the Council were elected for political affinities and had served as officials of ministries and other dependencies. They found that numerous allegations of corruption cases were ignored and that responsibilities such as the accountability of public entities were not properly supervised.

In addition to the proposal to eliminate the Council, other proposals favor its redefinition, or the reduction of functions, such as the fight against corruption and the appointment of authorities.

But on both points, the constitutionalist jurists disagree. For Dr. Roberto López, both proposals are unfeasible, since they pose a “regression in rights” and cannot be applied through reforms or popular consultations. “The only way out would be a constituent assembly, because both the Council and its powers are born of the Constitution and cannot be changed or eliminated by means of a reform,” he stressed.

In the opposite side is the jurist Mauro Terán, who believes that through a popular consultation could be resolved the elimination of it or the reduction of its functions. “The simplest way is to carry out a consultation, obviously with the approval of the Constitutional Court. The long way would be a constituent.” But for him, the answer to the doubts generated by the CPCCS is more radical. “If you ask me, choosing counselors via popular vote or limiting them is another problem. I believe that the solution is to eliminate the Montecristi Constitution and return to the 1998 Constitution, which was more progressive in rights. “

Proposal

Observers

Although they declare themselves against the elimination of the CPCCS, several citizen oversight offices have also launched proposals to ensure the transparency of the future Council.

The Citizen Mandate Popular Mandate noted that among the measures to be implemented should be “the publication of the criteria and indicators of the qualification of candidates for the different dignities” and added that in this new process should not participate “those who have been part of the Council or of the CNE “, in order to avoid conflicts of interest.

In turn, the City and Policy Observatory indicated that, far from eliminating the Council, it should make all its processes transparent and work more closely with universities. “The functions that the CPCCS has are fine, but they were not well applied because of political and supportive shields. It is also necessary that there are Observers of the Observers to avoid omissions “.

The aspiring members of the Council of Participation

María Rosa Chalá Alencastro

She is a lawyer and master in International Cooperation and Culture of Peace, and Development Cooperation. She has worked as a consultant in social projects for private entities and for the Government of Imbabura. It does not record political past.

Bernardo Cañizares Esguerra

He has a degree in Communication and Media and a Masters in Philosophy. He directs the Octaedro Foundation, which carries out initiatives such as the preparation of social leaders and community film shows. He is a film director. It does not record political past.

Carlos Escudero Sánchez

He has a degree in Plastic Arts and a Master’s in Social Development. He has a PhD in Sociology. He has taught at two higher institutes in Loja and has worked for the Government of that province. It does not register any political linkage.

Carlos Mosquera Benalcázar

He is a doctor from Quito. He worked in the IESS for several years, then headed the maternity Isidro Ayora. He currently works at the Eduardo Mosquera Medical Foundation. He has participated in volunteer brigades. It does not record political past.

Teddy Tama Aguirre

He is a lawyer and director of Tama y Asociados Law Firm. He was advisor to the Second Vice Presidency of the Constituent Assembly of 2008 and is legal advisor to the organizations Pueblo Montuvio Ecuador and Fundación Familia.

Walter Gómez Ronquillo

He has a degree in Marketing and Advertising and a Master’s in International Sciences and Diplomacy. He was a counselor for the National Council for Gender Equality and also a provincial delegate of the Citizen Participation Council.

Graciela Estupiñán Gómez

Originally from Esmeraldas, she is an economist and has a master’s degree in Research and Citizen Participation. She was the national director of Participation and Equality in the MIES and has worked in different areas of the Citizen Participation Council.

María Fernanda Rivadeneira Cuzco

She is a manabita lawyer. She was a regional lawyer in her province for the Attorney General’s Office and worked in the legal department of the Ecuadorian Social Security Institute. She was a candidate for the National Assembly for ALIANZA PAIS. (I)

Source: https://www.expreso.ec/actualidad/candidatos-cpccs-elecciones-seccionales-politica-BA2640012