Ecuador’s National Assembly elected a conservative as its president on Friday, marking the start of a new legislative period. This comes following a deal between the parties of President-elect Daniel Noboa and ex-President Rafael Correa to form a majority.
51-year-old businessman Henry Kronfle was elected with 128 votes from the legislature’s 137 members, with nine abstentions.
The dissolution of the legislature in May by outgoing President Guillermo Lasso led to the early scheduling of legislative and presidential elections originally planned for 2025.
The conservative Social Christian Party (PSC), Correa’s Citizens’ Revolution movement, and Noboa’s National Democratic Action (ADN) reached an agreement to form a legislative majority of at least 85 votes.
“Let’s build a better country, beyond our parties and movements, in which we can deliver so many unfulfilled promises to the Ecuadorean people,” said Kronfle, of the PSC, upon assuming his role.
Noboa stated on Wednesday that the coalition is part of “a great union to move the country forward,” emphasizing zero tolerance for corruption or any hindrances to government projects.
The coalition aims to support Noboa’s proposals, including plans to create jobs, particularly for the youth, and combat violence, as outlined in a statement by ADN.
Additionally, the coalition will have the power to appoint the heads of key legislative committees.
Analysts believe that the coalition could provide support for Noboa to govern during his truncated term, in contrast to his predecessor Lasso’s struggles.
“Noboa wants to have 18 months of relative calm by reaching these agreements with both political parties,” said political analyst Alfredo Espinosa, highlighting the importance of Correa’s support to Noboa’s objectives.
Correa’s movement holds 51 seats in the assembly, while the Construye party, with 18 seats, has chosen not to join the coalition due to its opposition to Correa.
Noboa, who emerged victorious in a runoff election in October to defeat Correa’s protégé Luisa Gonzalez, is set to be sworn in next week.
(Reporting by Alexandra Valencia; Writing by Oliver Griffin; Editing by Richard Chang)
