On March 12, 2026, Ecuador's Constitutional Court (CC) ruled that Executive Decree 311, issued by President Daniel Noboa, which extends the state of emergency for 30 days across nine provinces and three cantons, is constitutional. This decree was originally signed on February 28, in response to escalating internal unrest that necessitated exceptional measures within the affected regions.

The state of emergency includes provinces such as Guayas, Manabí, and Pichincha, among others, as well as the cantons of La Maná, Las Naves, and Echeandía. The court's ruling also affirmed the legality of specific exceptional measures that allow authorities to suspend certain rights, specifically the inviolability of correspondence and domicile—an action that permits police to conduct searches without judicial orders in these regions. Such provisions signal a significant shift in civil liberties, allowing for increased state intervention amidst pressing security challenges.

The implications of this ruling are profound as it grants the government broader powers to address the internal crisis while raising concerns regarding the balance between public safety and individual freedoms. As civil rights are curtailed, there may be public backlash or protests, potentially impacting the political landscape and governance in Ecuador. The state's ability to manage such unrest will be closely observed as the nation navigates through these critical circumstances.