On March 6, 2026, Joaquín Viteri, a judge at the Electoral Contentious Tribunal (TCE) in Ecuador, issued a provisional nine-month suspension of the Ciudadana Revolution political movement, formally known as RC 5. This action follows a complaint filed by the acting Attorney General, Carlos Leonardo Alarcón, concerning an ongoing investigation into leaders associated with the political group, often linked to former president Rafael Correa. The investigation is centered around the so-called 'Caja Chica' case, which addresses allegations related to organized crime and money laundering.

The complaint was formally submitted to the TCE on March 4, 2026, prompting the tribunal to act swiftly under Article 374 of the Democracy Code. This legal provision allows the TCE to impose penalties for infractions within political organizations, including the ability to suspend their registration as political entities. The implications of this decision could be significant as it places the Ciudadana Revolution in a precarious position amidst ongoing electoral activities and debates in Ecuador.

This suspension reflects the broader political tensions in Ecuador, particularly regarding the legacy of Correa's government and the current political landscape. With elections approaching, the disruption caused by such judicial decisions could influence voter sentiment and the strategies of political opponents. The case exemplifies how legal actions can intertwine with political messaging in Ecuador's dynamic and often polarized political environment.