The Emergency Operations Committee in Ecuador plans to recommend the waiver of electoral fines for residents in emergency zones, a move criticized by legal experts for violating electoral law. The proposal is seen as a politically motivated effort to influence voter behavior favorably for the presidential candidate seeking reelection.
On Wednesday, the Emergency Operations Committee (COE) announced a recommendation to the National Electoral Council (CNE) to waive financial penalties for Ecuadorians living in regions declared under emergency conditions. This initiative was previously suggested by the presidential candidate seeking reelection, who expressed an intention to forgo fines in areas impacted by flooding.
Legal expert Melania Carrión criticized this decision, asserting that the blanket exemption from fines violates electoral laws. In a statement to Radio Pichincha, Carrion emphasized that the National Electoral Council lacks the authority to amend electoral regulations at this juncture.
Analyst Carrion also described the proposal put forth by Noboa as a politically motivated maneuver aimed at influencing voter behavior, stating that it appears to be a strategic calculation to dissuade a type of voting unfavorable to him. She characterized it as an effort to appeal to certain groups while simultaneously attempting to manipulate and condition the electoral process.
The proposal by the Emergency Operations Committee to exempt electoral fines has raised legal concerns regarding its compliance with established electoral laws. Legal experts argue that such exemptions, intended to benefit specific groups, may serve ulterior motives related to electoral influence. Therefore, adherence to electoral regulations remains crucial in preserving the integrity of the voting process in Ecuador.
Original Source: www.plenglish.com
