The National Democratic Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to support and strengthen democratic institutions worldwide through citizen participation, openness and accountability in government.

NDI began its engagement in Ecuador in 2002 by working to help several Ecuadorian civil society organizations to form Citizen Participation–Ecuador (Participación Ciudadana-Ecuador, PCE), a national organization that aims to engage citizens in the electoral process and was the first domestic group to monitor presidential elections.

NDI re-opened its field office in Ecuador in 2006 to strengthen political parties’ capacity to develop platforms on issues of national concern and to promote information-sharing and collaboration between civil society and political parties. During the 2006 elections, Ecuadorians expressed their frustration with the lack of political party responsiveness by electing political independent Rafael Correa as president. True to his campaign promises, President Correa has altered the Ecuadorian political landscape. A constituent assembly elected in 2007 assumed legislative powers and rewrote the constitution. The constitution, which was approved by referendum in September 2008, outlines significant changes, particularly in the relationship of civil society to the government. The constitution also scheduled new elections in April 2009, which President Correa won by a wide margin.

Since 2006, NDI has continued to work with political parties and movements across the ideological spectrum on measures to improve citizen representation and support transparency. Currently, NDI is working in the traditionally under-served regions of Chimborazo, Esmeraldas and Sucumbíos to promote civic education and linkages between civil society and regional political party structures.

• For additional information on NDI’s programs in Ecuador in Spanish and English, please visit NDIEcuador.org.

Political Context

NDI Activities

Past Programs

Contact Information

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