Democracy News

Correa’s Referendum Wins Support in Ecuador By Small Margin
May 9, 2011
By: Carlos Aramayo | Printer Friendly

On May 7, a national referendum backed by Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa was approved by a small margin. The referendum included questions of great importance, such as those relating to a judicial system overhaul and the introduction of new media regulations. It also addressed issues that have fewer political and social repercussions, such as restrictions on bull and cockfighting. With the results confirmed, the government can now pursue regulations to bar media companies and banks from holding other commercial interests. It will also be able to strictly regulate media content and hold individual journalists responsible for any violations. Opposition politicians argued that some of the more controversial proposals, such as giving the president more of a say over judicial appointments, constituted a power grab.

According to the Financial Times, with 100 percent of the ballots counted, Ecuador's Electoral Council (CNE) said the "yes" vote gathered between 44.96 percent and 50.46 percent, while the "no" vote accounted for 39.25 percent to 42.56 percent for nine questions with national jurisdiction. Although the referendum was successful, it showed that Ecuador is clearly divided, given the closeness of the results. The "yes" vote on the judicial system overhaul won in 12 of Ecuador's 24 provinces, including most provinces with the greatest populations. The "no" vote won in the remaining provinces, mostly in the central highlands and in the Amazon region, where there are significant numbers of indigenous people. The referendum furthers the fulfillment of Correa's 2007 promise to radically overhaul Ecuador's political and economic systems.

In an interview with the New York Times, Gabriela Calderon, a research associate at the Washington-based think tank Cato Institute stated, "The results have been a surprise for the opposition and for the government. It is the first time the president faces a scenario in which his popularity is questioned." Additionally, Calderon identified that Correa's confrontational governing style appears to have taken a toll, having alienated a number of social sectors, including some erstwhile allies on the left. "The government believed that the loss of political allies would not affect it, and that the important thing was vindication at the ballot box," said Calderon, who suggested the strategy may not be a winner the next time around.

Commenting on the proposed judiciary reforms, BBC News reported that Correa stated: “If we don't transform the judiciary, we won't be able to transform the country." Correa additionally said, "Of course, I'm meddling in the judiciary but my hands are clean. These are the hands of 14 million people in Ecuador, the hands of democracy."

With the referendum now approved, Correa’s government will now be tasked with trying to enact laws to enforce about half of the referendum questions. However, passing legislation in the National Assembly could prove difficult because the government’s voting bloc does not hold enough of a majority to pass laws. While the government has the largest voting bloc, with 52 of the 124-seats, it is short 63 votes required to pass laws. The referendum was widely seen as a popularity test for Correa, ahead of the 2013 presidential elections, where he is widely expected to run for a third time.

For previous news on Ecuador please see:
Ecuador Declares State of Emergency; Cites Coup Attempt

Sources:
Financial Times – Correa boosts power with Ecuador poll win

New York Times – Ecuador Votes on Bid to Give More Control to President

BBC News – Ecuador President Rafael Correa 'wins referendum