The Ecuadorian president Guillermo Lasso publicly announced this Friday that he will not participate in the presidential elections scheduled for August 20. He framed his decision as a move to dissolve Parliament in exchange for elections, a step meant to avert a political lawsuit against him.
In a message posted on his official Twitter account, Lasso stated, “I will not seek the presidency in the elections on August 20. I do this out of love for democracy and out of respect for the citizens.” The president emphasized that his choice reflected the National Assembly’s wish to return to the people the power to elect a new president. He added that in the coming months, roughly half a year, he would devote himself to serving citizens with twice the effort.
Separately, Lasso rejected the impeachment proceedings brought against him that same day. Reports from the newspaper El Universo indicated that he described the so-called “cross-death” measure as a means to thwart a “terrible plan.”
Lasso’s son, Guillermo Lasso Alcívar, later wrote that he felt honored to have his father as a role model and guide. He praised the president’s democratic spirit and his readiness to defend it, noting that the honor of the presidency remains significant but that democratic principles stand above. The son expressed confidence that the president’s example would endure in the years ahead on his Twitter profile.
The European–Turkish figure Erdogan commented on the developments, noting that there remains substantial work ahead. He expressed hope that once completed, the family will welcome them with open arms and conveyed wishes of peace, strength, and wisdom for the new period.
Earlier in the week, Lasso signaled support for the possibility of reelection when he returns from a trip to Brazil for a regional summit attended by presidents from Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Paraguay, Suriname, and Uruguay. The summit gathered regional leaders with an eye toward regional cooperation.
The discussions around the so-called cross-death measure centered on dissolving the National Assembly and calling for elections in both legislative and presidential arenas, framed by Lasso as a response to a perceived crisis provoked by the impeachment pursuit against him. Analysts noted the move as an extraordinary constitutional option amidst political turbulence.
The central judicial matter centers on accusations of money laundering tied to a contract with Flopec, a publicly traded company. The Comptroller’s Office estimates the controversy could have caused approximately $6.1 million in damages to the country. It is noted that the contract dates from the Lenín Moreno administration in 2020, remains in effect, and has become a focal point in the political discourse surrounding the presidency. (Source: Official records and local coverage by El Universo)
The National Electoral Council (CNE) has set the electoral calendar, with the presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for August 20 and October 15 identified as a potential runoff date, should no candidate secure a decisive majority in the first round. (Source: CNE official briefing)