Crisis Group Report: Ecuador's Instability

The International Crisis Group has published a new report that focuses on instability in the Latin American country of Ecuador. Latin America Report Number 22, titled "Ecuador: Overcoming Instability?", published August 7, describes Ecuador as the most unstable democracy in Latin America for the last decade. Political problems have plagued the country and more focus on the rule of law, consensus and fundamental reforms will be required if Ecuador is to move forward.

In examining the political situation in Ecuador, the report details the new Ecuadorian government of President Rafael Correa and the measures he has taken to effect political and socio-economic change in preparation for the drafting of a new constitution. Senior Vice President and Special Adviser on Latin America for the Crisis Group Mark Schneider is quoted in the press release for the report as saying, "Correa and his left-wing administration portray themselves as catalysts for change to end the vicious cycle of chronic instability and provide a more just future for citizens. But past presidents have made similar claims, only to fall quickly into the same corrupt habits."

Of the eight Ecuadorian presidents to hold office since 1996, the report says, three, or nearly half, have been removed from their posts by the Ecuadorian congress and street protests. A combination of factors, including a weakened rule of law, a dysfunctional political system, and an economic crisis have worked to make Ecuador one of the world's most worrisome democracies. President Correa's record thus far has been less than impressive, and the Crisis Group says he must move to stop corruption and enforce the rule of law to prevent further destabilization in Ecuador.

Markus Schultze-Krafte, the Crisis Group's Director of the Latin America Program, is quoted in the release as saying, "Correa has shown his talent for communicating with the poor and working class, but Ecuador will quickly return to instability if he fails to take the rest of the country with him on the path to democratic change."

The report concludes that President Correa will need to do the following to move Ecuador forward: uphold the rule of law and guarantee separation of powers; prepare the CA election with full transparency and guarantees for the opposition; seek consensus with the opposition on key points; advance institutionalization and democratization of Alianza Pais and the social and political movements; and elaborate an economically viable National Development Plan.

The full report and an executive summary are available for download on the International Crisis Group web site. Additional information can be obtained from Andrew Stroehlein in Brussels at 32 (0) 2 541 1635 or Kimberly Abbott in Washington at (202) 785-1601.

Source: International Crisis Group Latin America Report Number 22