Ecuador on Edge as Vice President Warns of Imminent “Coup d’État”
Ecuador’s political landscape is in turmoil as Vice President Veronica Abad has sounded the alarm over an alleged “coup d’état” orchestrated by President Daniel Noboa. In a dramatic press conference on Thursday, January 9, Abad declared, “In a few hours, the coup d’état planned and announced by president Daniel Noboa and his cabinet will be consummated.”
The controversy stems from Noboa’s decision to delegate presidential powers to Cynthia Gellibert, a newly appointed vice president, for three days while he campaigns for the upcoming general elections in February.Abad, who claims she is the rightful successor during noboa’s absence, has accused the president of sidelining her thru what she describes as a “brutal persecution, which has only one objective: to take power by force.”
Abad’s allegations are not without precedent. Last Saturday, she released a video on social media announcing her intention to assume the presidency, anticipating that Noboa would request leave to campaign. However,Noboa did not step aside,instead appointing Gellibert as acting president. This move has sparked a constitutional crisis, with Abad asserting that Noboa “has decided on his own not to ask for a license” and rather “appointed her as president of the Republic.”
The military and police have remained neutral, stating they are not deliberative and will abide by constitutional mandates. Though, Abad has criticized their stance, claiming that “loyalties are no longer towards us, the people and their Constitution, but, apparently, now they are loyal to one person.”
The National Assembly has also weighed in, with Secretary General Alejandro Muñoz stating that Abad should assume the presidency during noboa’s campaign. the legislature rejected Noboa’s decree appointing Gellibert, citing “legal and constitutional errors.”
Abad has warned that the situation could have far-reaching consequences, both domestically and internationally. “Clearly this will bring consequences not only politically, but also legally, nationally and internationally,” she said, dismissing claims by the ruling party that she intended to stage a coup.
Key Points at a Glance
| Issue | Details |
|——————————-|—————————————————————————–|
| Alleged Coup | Vice President Abad warns of a coup planned by President Noboa. |
| Delegation of Power | Noboa appoints Cynthia Gellibert as acting president for three days.|
| Constitutional Dispute | National Assembly rejects Noboa’s decree, citing legal errors. |
| Military Stance | Military and police declare neutrality,adhering to constitutional mandates.|
| International Implications| Abad warns of potential legal and political repercussions globally. |
As Ecuador braces for the fallout, the international community watches closely. The outcome of this power struggle could determine the future of democracy in the country.
For more updates on this developing story, stay tuned to our coverage. what are your thoughts on this unfolding crisis? Share your opinions in the comments below.Ecuador’s Political Crisis Deepens as vice President Abad Accuses President Noboa of Dictatorial Practices
Ecuador is embroiled in a deepening political crisis as Vice President Verónica Abad accuses President Daniel Noboa of repeatedly violating the Constitution and steering the country toward authoritarianism. The tension between the two leaders has escalated as Noboa assumed office in November 2023, with Abad alleging systematic harassment and efforts to sideline her from her constitutional duties.
A Bitter Power Struggle
The rift between Noboa and Abad began shortly after the government’s inauguration, when Noboa appointed Abad as ambassador to Israel. As than, Abad has claimed that she has faced relentless pressure to resign, preventing her from assuming her role as vice president. “I am prepared to replace the president in democracy and in accordance with the Constitution,but they have forcibly prevented me from even assuming my vice-presidential office,” Abad stated.in December 2023, Abad was barred from entering the Vice Presidency’s offices, despite a court lifting a five-month suspension imposed by the Ministry of Labor. The suspension was based on allegations that Abad failed to travel from Israel to Ankara during escalating tensions in the Middle East—a claim she vehemently denies.
Accusations of Constitutional Violations
Abad has accused Noboa and his cabinet of governing by decree,bypassing democratic processes. “today the intention is to govern with decrees as if they were,literally,a kitchen napkin,” she remarked. She further criticized Noboa, describing him as “a misogynistic, weak man, full of fear and trauma, because we already have him as a dictator.”
Abad has called on Ecuador’s control institutions,including the national Assembly,the Constitutional Court,and the National Electoral Council,to intervene. “They are obliged to prevent this dictatorial scale,” she asserted.
A Call for International Intervention
Describing the current situation as a “serious shock” and “legal-political chaos,” Abad has urged the Association of American states (OAS) to activate the Democratic Charter—a mechanism designed to safeguard democracy in the Americas. She emphasized her commitment to avoiding conflict, stating, “I will never face people against people.”
Key Points at a Glance
| Issue | Details |
|——————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Main Accusation | Noboa accused of violating the Constitution and governing by decree. |
| Vice President’s Role | Abad claims she was prevented from assuming her constitutional duties. |
| Suspension | Abad was barred from office for five months, later lifted by the courts. |
| International Appeal | Abad calls for OAS intervention under the Democratic Charter. |
| Current State | Ecuador described as experiencing “legal-political chaos.” |
The Road Ahead
As Ecuador grapples with this political turmoil, the international community watches closely. Abad’s call for the OAS to intervene underscores the gravity of the situation. Whether Ecuador’s democratic institutions can withstand this crisis remains to be seen.
For more updates on this developing story, follow our coverage and stay informed about the latest developments in Ecuador’s political landscape.
