The citizen commission overseeing the public contest to select Ecuador's Attorney General may extend its timeframe and alter procedural rules despite existing regulations.
The citizen commission responsible for the public contest to elect the Attorney General of the State in Ecuador has indicated a potential extension beyond the four-month period stipulated by current regulations. This decision comes alongside possible modifications to the computation of deadlines, which are bound by norms set forth by the Council of Citizen Participation and Social Control (CPCCS). The changes could significantly impact the timeline for appointing the new Attorney General, which is critical considering the public importance of the office.
According to the commission's revised schedule, a final report naming the top candidates for the Attorney General position could be delivered as late as August 2026. The process will culminate with the selection of the highest-scoring candidate by the full Council of Citizen Participation. On February 9, 2026, the commission convened to assess and approve its work plan and timeline for the merit-based public contest, which received strong support with eight votes in favor and only one abstention.
The modifications proposed by the commission raise questions about the transparency and accountability of the selection process for Ecuador's top prosecutor. As the Attorney General plays a crucial role in upholding the rule of law and addressing issues such as corruption and crime, stakeholders and citizens alike will be closely monitoring any changes to ensure that the integrity of this important position is maintained during the lengthy selection process.
