Mario Godoy was censured and removed from the presidency of the Judiciary Council by the Assembly National with 148 votes due to failure in his duties.
On February 18, 2026, Mario Godoy was censured and removed from his position as president of the Judiciary Council (CJ) in a political trial held by the National Assembly of Ecuador. The decision was reached with a significant majority, as 148 legislators from various political forces voted in favor of his removal, citing clear ineffectiveness in fulfilling his responsibilities. Notably, the vote was passed with support from members of Acción Democrática Nacional (ADN), Revolución Ciudadana (RC), Pachakutik, the Social Christian Party (PSC), and independent legislators.
The motion to censure Godoy was introduced by Ana Belén Tapia, a member of the ADN party and vice president of the Oversight Commission. This process highlights the divisions within the Assembly and the political dynamics at play, as only one assembly member, Jhajaira Urresta, abstained from voting. Her position is particularly noteworthy, as she was an ally of former President Correa but is currently aligned with the government coalition, reflecting the shifts in political alliances in Ecuadorian politics.
The implications of Godoy's removal may resonate throughout the judiciary and governance of the country, raising questions about the future of judicial independence and the capacity of leadership within the Judiciary Council. With growing scrutiny over executive powers and accountability mechanisms, the developments within the National Assembly could affect public trust in governmental institutions as Ecuador navigates its political landscape going forward.
