Politics of Ecuador

Politics of Ecuador takes place in a framework of a presidential representative democratic republic, whereby the President of Ecuador is both head of state and head of government, and of a multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the Congress. The Judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature. The constitution of Ecuador provides for concurrent four-year terms of office for the president, vice president, and members of Congress. Presidents and legislators may be re-elected immediately. Citizens must be at least 16 years of age to vote. Suffrage is universal and compulsory for literate persons ages 18–65 and optional for 16 and 17 years of age and other eligible voters.