“As a consequence of the decision to reject the unconstitutionality claims, the requests that the Court adopt precautionary measures in order to provisionally suspend the effects of the contested Decree were also rejected,” it said in a statement.
Lasso on Wednesday invoked the so-called “cross death,” a measure found in the Constitution that allows the president to call early elections for both his office and the assembly under certain circumstances, even if actions by the Legislature are blocking the operation. of the government.
The embattled leader cited a serious political crisis and internal turmoil in Ecuador as reasons for the move.
Dates for the elections
Earlier on Thursday, Ecuador’s electoral court said early elections could take place on August 20. If there is a second round to elect the president, it could be held on October 15.
After the ruling of the Constitutional Court, the electoral court approved the start of the electoral process and its head, Diana Atamaint, said that now no one can obstruct the elections.
Lasso was facing an impeachment attempt by opposition politicians over allegations that he ignored warnings of embezzlement related to a contract at the state oil transport company Flopec. He has denied the accusations.
The president will remain in office and rule by decree until his successor and a new legislature are elected, in accordance with the Ecuadorian Constitution.
Before the Constitutional Court decision, lawmakers in the dissolved National Assembly said they would respect the court’s decision, even if it upheld the president’s actions.
Those elected in the early elections would only be in office until the regular elections are held in 2025.