Ecuador

Ecuador continues to navigate a turbulent political period characterized by the executive's expanded use of emergency powers and a persistent struggle against organized crime. Under President Daniel Noboa, the government has maintained a state of internal armed conflict, which has successfully curtailed some cartel violence but has also led to documented concerns regarding military overreach and the erosion of due process. While the Constitutional Court remains a vital check on executive authority, the Noboa administration has frequently criticized judicial independence, at times accusing judges of being complicit with criminal structures. As of May 2026, the country is grappling with severe diplomatic and trade frictions with Colombia, exacerbated by a border bombing controversy and a heated personal dispute between Presidents Noboa and Petro. This external tension is mirrored domestically by a narrowing of the civic space, where investigative journalists and human rights defenders report increased pressure when scrutinizing military operations or government contracts. Although elections remain competitive and the procedural aspects of democracy are intact, the heavy reliance on militarized governance and the weakening of institutional safeguards keep Ecuador firmly within the hybrid category. Recent cabinet reshuffles in the energy sector highlight ongoing struggles with infrastructure stability, further straining the social contract as the citizenry balances the desire for security with the preservation of fundamental civil liberties.