On February 18, 2026, the impeachment trial against Mario Godoy, the former president of the Council of the Judiciary of Ecuador, commenced in the National Assembly despite his absence. The session, called by the President of the Legislature, Niels Olsen Peet, clarified that Godoy’s non-attendance did not invalidate the proceedings according to the Organic Law of the Legislative Function. The session officially began at 11:15 a.m., and the Assembly proceeded with the interpellation and political debate without delay.

The absence of Godoy in the assembly allowed the members to move forward with the indictment presented by the accountability committee. Two lawmakers, Viviana Veloz and Franklin Samaniego, conducted a two-hour interrogation based on the evidence provided during the designated period for presenting proof. The session included a detailed reading of the accountability committee’s report, which set the stage for the subsequent voting process.

While the absence of the accused does not halt the trial, it raises questions about Godoy's commitment to addressing the allegations against him. His lack of appearance could be perceived as an evasion, potentially impacting public perception and political accountability. The outcome of this impeachment process will likely have significant implications for Ecuador's judicial system and for Godoy's political future.