Ecuador will maintain its dry law regulations for the upcoming 2027 sectional elections because a proposed reform was not processed in time by the National Assembly.
Ecuador's dry law regulations, which prohibit the sale and consumption of alcohol during elections, will remain unchanged for the upcoming sectional elections scheduled for February 2027. The announcement follows the failure of a reform project proposed by Niels Olsen, the President of the National Assembly, to be processed within the legal timeframe required for electoral changes. This is significant because the dry law is a critical aspect of maintaining order during elections, affecting both citizens' behavior and election security.
The National Electoral Council (CNE) declared the beginning of the electoral period on February 14, which prohibits any modifications to the Electoral Code until after the elections. The electoral period includes pre-electoral, electoral, and post-electoral phases, during which specific rules are enforced to ensure a fair electoral environment. By not processing the proposed reforms, the assembly has effectively prevented any alterations to the current guidelines surrounding alcohol consumption during the election period.
The implications of keeping the dry law in place could be far-reaching in terms of voter participation and electoral behavior. The law aims to reduce disturbances that could arise from alcohol consumption during elections, thus contributing to a quieter electoral atmosphere. However, it also raises questions about personal freedoms and the extent of governmental regulation over social behavior during significant civic events like elections in Ecuador.
