On the evening of February 13, 2026, the full assembly of the Participation and Social Control Council (CPCCS) in Ecuador reviewed a list of candidates for an alternate member position previously held by Alexandra Villacís. The nomination list was forwarded by Marco Rodríguez, the president of the National Court of Justice, and includes the names of national judge Mercedes Caicedo, provincial judge Óscar Chamorro, and public official María Morejón. The CPCCS convened at 20:40 to discuss the nomination, which was presented by councilor Jazmín Enríquez, who also requested the CNJ to send the complete files of the three candidates.

As part of the regulatory framework for appointing these authorities, the personal dossiers of the candidates must be published on the CPCCS website within three days. This marks a step toward filling a crucial role within the national judiciary, as the alternate position is essential for maintaining the functionality and oversight of the Court. Notably, the expedited nature of this selection process highlights the CPCCS's intent to fill vacancies swiftly and efficiently.

Despite the progress in candidate selection, there remains a notable absence of a citizen oversight group that is meant to accompany the selection process, which raises concerns about transparency and public involvement in an already significant judicial appointment. Involving an oversight committee is crucial to ensuring that the appointment is conducted fairly and in the interest of the public, emphasizing the need for checks and balances within the judiciary system of Ecuador.