Breaking news, politics, economy, visas, safety, and lifestyle updates for expats living in Ecuador.
Candidate registration closed Monday evening for Ecuador’s November sectional elections. The next phase is qualification and objections, with the definitive list expected November 9.
President Daniel Noboa arrived in China on August 16 for a state visit focused on trade, investment, infrastructure, energy, technology, and sustainable development. The agenda includes 14 Ecuadorian shrimp exporters suspended from the Chinese market and the Coca Codo Sinclair hydroelectric project.
Executive Decree 472 extends Ecuador’s state of exception for 30 days in 10 provinces and three cantons, including Azuay. The decree does not establish a curfew, but it keeps the previously specified suspension of home and correspondence inviolability in force.
A reform to Ecuador’s adoption process took effect on August 14 after publication in the Official Registry. It sets timelines for police investigation, technical reports, candidate suitability, matching, and civil-registry inscription.
The Council of the Judiciary has approved a three-phase method for appointing 222 temporary judges during the judicial emergency. The plan sets eligibility and scoring rules, but legal experts are still questioning how temporary appointments will protect independence and how long they will last.
Interior Minister John Reimberg says five or six “mirror rooms” were connected to Quito’s municipal cameras. The municipality says the ECU 911 already had access and control of the 632 city cameras, leaving the public with competing accounts of the system’s administration.
A Cedatos study reported that 63.9% of voters remain undecided about mayoral candidates and 69% remain undecided about prefectural candidates ahead of the November 29 vote.
Ecuador’s Council of Higher Education has started an intervention process at Universidad Amawtay Wasi and suspended its top authorities. A temporary intervention commission will assume the university’s rectorate and administration while the measure is in effect.
Ecuador’s Judiciary Council approved rules for a new National Court judge contest, with a call expected in August and at least 34 magistrates expected by February 2027.
Ecuador’s Assembly unanimously approved a new extradition law on July 7, replacing the 2000 framework and setting updated procedures after the 2024 constitutional consultation.
Police and prosecutors detained Jipijapa Mayor Angela Plua and 12 others in Operation Digitador, an investigation into alleged irregular vehicle paperwork in Manabi. Authorities said the case involved 18 raids and suspected losses above $5 million.
Ecuador’s ANT says the expired-license grace period ends June 30, 2026. Drivers with renewal appointments after that date can use special Saturday service on June 20 and 27 from 08:00 to 16:00 if they go to the same agency with their printed appointment and required documents.
