Muerte cruzada facts for kids

In Ecuadorian politics, muerte cruzada (which means "mutual death" or "cross death" in Spanish) is a special rule in Ecuador's government. It's a way for the President and the National Assembly (which is like the country's parliament) to deal with big political problems. This rule is found in Articles 130 and 148 of Ecuador's 2008 Constitution.

This rule allows the President to dissolve (or close down) the National Assembly. But if the President does this, new elections must be held very soon for both a new President and a new National Assembly. Similarly, the National Assembly can remove the President from office. If they do, new elections are also called for both a new President and a new National Assembly. This is why it's called "mutual death"—if one part of the government removes the other, it also puts its own position up for a vote.

The idea behind muerte cruzada is to prevent long periods where the government can't make decisions because the President and the Assembly are constantly fighting. It's like a "checks and balances" tool, making sure no single part of the government has too much power without consequences. It forces everyone to go back to the voters to decide who should lead.

How the "Mutual Death" Rule Works

This special rule helps balance power between the President and the National Assembly. It makes sure that if one tries to remove the other, they also risk their own position.

When the President Acts

The President can use this power to dissolve the National Assembly in certain situations. For example, if the Assembly tries to do things outside its legal powers, or if it constantly blocks the President's plans without good reason. It can also be used during a serious political crisis or unrest in the country. The President can only use this power once during the first three years of their term. After the Assembly is dissolved, new elections for both the President and the Assembly must happen quickly. Until the new Assembly is ready, the President can issue urgent economic laws, but these can be changed later by the new Assembly.

When the National Assembly Acts

The National Assembly can also remove the President from office. This can happen if the President tries to do things outside their legal powers, or during a serious political crisis. To remove the President, at least two-thirds of the Assembly members (92 out of 137) must vote in favor. If the President is removed, the Vice-President takes over temporarily. Just like when the President acts, if the Assembly removes the President, new elections for both the President and the Assembly must be held soon after. The Assembly can only use this power once during its term, within its first three years.

First Use of the Rule in 2023

The muerte cruzada rule was used for the very first time on May 17, 2023. This happened when President Guillermo Lasso decided to trigger it. The National Assembly had started a process to remove him from office. President Lasso said he made this decision because of a "severe political crisis and domestic upheaval" in the country.

Because President Lasso used this rule, the process to remove him was stopped. Instead, special elections for both the President and the National Assembly were held in 2023, earlier than their usual date in 2025. President Lasso decided not to run again in these new elections. Daniel Noboa won the 2023 Ecuadorian general election and became the new President.

See also

In Spanish: Muerte cruzada para niños