Ecuador legislature lifts presidential re-election limit
Ecuador legislature lifts presidential re-election limit
4 December
Ecuador's National Assembly has approved a constitutional amendment allowing the president and other officials to be re-elected for an indefinite number of terms. The change is part of a package of reforms backed by President Rafael Correa. After the vote opposition demonstrators clashed with police outside the assembly building in Quito.
They say the reforms are an attempt by Mr Correa to tighten his grip on power. But the constitutional change lifting restrictions on the number of re-elections only comes into force in 2021. Mr Correa says he does not intend to run for re-election in 2017.
'The people will rule'
Other reforms approved include changes to the role of the armed forces, the media and labour relations. The opposition boycotted the session, but Mr Correa's left-wing coalition had enough votes to secure the approval of the 15 amendments.
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The measures were approved by 100 votes to eight, with one abstention.
More:
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-35002846