Ecuador’s constituent assembly approved by a 2-to-1 margin a new constitution which may serve as the country’s new charter by early 2009. The 444-article constitution awaits possible approval in a national referendum on September 28th, though that looks iffy as roughly 1 in 3 Ecuadorians would back the new charter according to a recent poll. Supporters of the charter- such as President Rafael Correa (image)- argue that it provides a fairer social system for Ecuadorians and will bring about more politician freedom. Opponents allege that the draft provides too much power to the president and could cause political instability.
There are numerous stipulations in the draft constitution as gay.com noted:
Its 444 articles include a provision that same-sex unions be afforded the same rights as heterosexual marriages…
The president can dissolve Congress once and Congress will have one opportunity to unseat the president, the Associated Press reported. In either case, general elections would be called…
The president can run for one four-year term of reelection…
Foreign military bases or installations will be prohibited on Ecuadorean soil. The United States has operated anti-drug surveillance flights out of Ecuador's Manta air base since 1999. [ed. Click here for more details.] The 10-year lease expires next year, and will not be renewed.
Undocumented immigrants will not be considered "illegal."
In a national referendum last year, voters overwhelmingly approved the establishing of the constituent assembly. The assembly- with a majority of seats controlled by parties allied to the president- subsequently suspended the country’s Senate until a new constitution is approved.
Image- BBC News
Sources- BBC News, gay.com, The Latin Americanist, Reuters UK, FT.com, Angus Reid Global Consultants, Voice of America
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