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ECUADOR: OAS ELECTORAL OBSERVATION MISSION CALLS REGIONAL ELECTIONS FREE AND TRANSPARENT

The October 17 regional elections in the Republic of Ecuador took place in a free and transparent environment in which people renewed their commitment to democracy.

The electoral process was carried out in a calm and orderly manner, with the exception of a few incidents reported in the Guayas, Bolivar and Los Rios provinces.

The great majority of the observed voting centers opened at the established time, with adequate organization noted at individual precincts. However, a low turnout of electoral delegates at the polling stations was observed. More than ninety percent of interviewed voters approved of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal’s decision to number and identify the voting centers by gender, a system that allowed them to cast their vote without delays.

It was observed that the actors involved in the process reaffirmed their trust in the electoral organization and administration. The Mission paid special attention to the pilot plan to use electronic voting machines. A poll taken on Election Day in the five provinces where these machines were used found that 85% considered their operation very simple, and 82% responded favorably to the replacement of the conventional system (paper ballots) by electronic voting. Those voting station presidents with experience from other elections considered that the use of electronic voting, as well as new technologies, modernizes and strengthens the organization and implementation of electoral processes.

However, it is worth noting that some senior citizens and people in rural zones faced greater difficulties in using these technologies. Furthermore, in the future, it would be convenient to strengthen training sessions for these voters and, at the same time, guarantee that the machines used for training do not reflect the election underway.

Unofficial results were transmitted and published efficiently. Nevertheless, the Mission will continue to observe the official confirmation of the elected candidates through the final results that will be announced by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE). The results of the quick-count carried out by the Mission are compatible with the unofficial results announced by the TSE.

The efforts of Participacion Ciudadana and of the Fundacion Q’ellkaj in facilitation, information, observation, inspection and auditing of the process helped to instill voter trust and confidence. Those groups deserve recognition for their resolute will to support the strengthening of Ecuadorian democracy.

The OAS Electoral Observation Mission underscores the work carried out by the media during Election Day. The broad coverage of the elections made it possible for the citizens to receive ample information about the process.

The OAS Electoral Observation Mission would like to thank the different civil society groups and political organizations for their welcoming us and giving us their time. The valuable exchange of concerns with their representatives allowed for a closer understanding of the problems, challenges and goals that these organizations share with respect to Ecuadorian democracy and its electoral system. Critical issues repeatedly raised included the method of distributing legislative seats and its impact on the system of representation, and the control of electoral and campaign spending. We have forwarded these concerns to the Supreme Electoral Tribunal.

The Mission is confident that in the near future a dialogue can be strengthened between sectors of civil society and the country’s various institutions, which will have the responsibility of promoting the necessary space to reflect on eventual political and electoral reforms that Ecuadorians are currently considering.

The Mission was able to accompany the electoral process thanks to the receptiveness, collaboration and democratic commitment of the state and institutional authorities, especially the Supreme Electoral Tribunal. To all of them our recognition, as well as to the Armed Forces and the Police for their role in guaranteeing public order and security in the voting areas.

Quito, October 18, 2004

Reference: MOE-EC-04E