Reuters AlertNet Lite - Ecuador's Congress works to block new president

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Ecuador's Congress works to block new president

11 Jan 2007 01:56:15 GMT
Source: Reuters

QUITO, Jan 10 (Reuters) - Ecuador's Congress on Wednesday named members to an electoral court that will likely thwart President-elect Rafael Correa's push for a political overhaul.

Under terms of the country's constitution, the seven largest parties in Congress were allowed to choose a member of the electoral tribunal. Correa's party holds no seats in Congress, so the president's opponents selected jurists who are expected to reject his proposals.

The tribunal is expected to block Correa's call for a referendum to redraft the constitution, which could lead to a power struggle in a country that has seen its last three elected rulers toppled by political turmoil.

Correa, a friend of U.S. foe Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, rattled Wall Street with plans to limit debt payments and renegotiate oil contracts.

Hundreds of flag-waving students marched in the capital Quito on Wednesday to demand lawmakers accept Correa's referendum.

"He (Correa) asked his followers to go to the house of the president of Congress to force him to accept his reforms," said Jorge Cevallos, the head of Congress and member of the same party as Correa's former election rival Alvaro Noboa.

Correa's call for a referendum is aimed at setting up a constituent assembly that would eliminate political influence in courts and force lawmakers to live in the small constituencies they represent.

Lawmakers said an assembly violates the constitution and would unfairly limit their powers.

The charismatic leader has threatened to shun election officials, who are expected to strike down his referendum, and create an parallel tribunal.

Earlier this week, Congress expelled two lawmakers who bucked their party and publicly supported Correa's assembly.

Congress plans to beat Correa to the punch by carrying out their own constitutional reforms before he is able to call for a referendum. Lawmakers are also gearing up to appoint a new general attorney despite Correa's disapproval.

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Last updated:Thu Jan 11 01:59:55 2007