Special Assembly Approves New Proposed Ecuadorian Constitution

A special assembly dominated by members of President Rafael Correa's Alianza PAIS party recently approved a proposed new Ecuadorian constitution that would grant the president broad political and economic powers. The proposed new constitution now faces a national public vote scheduled for September 28, 2008.

If passed, which seems likely given President Correa's landslide victory in 2007 and current popularity, the new constitution would grant President Correa the power to remove Congress, seek re-election for additional terms and control monetary policy. While critics questioned the concentration of power, supporters reportedly welcomed the vote with chants of "We don't want . . . to be a North American colony."