Public forces and suffrage
The public forces of Ecuador consist of the military and police, which play a vital role in
maintaining the country's sovereignty and internal security. The military is divided into three
branches: the Army (fuerza terrestre), Navy (fuerza naval), and Air Force (fuerza aérea). Their
primary mission is to ensure national integrity and defend the country's borders against external
threats. On the other hand, the police are responsible for internal protection and maintaining
public order.
Both the military and police protect the rights, freedoms, and guarantees of citizens while
upholding national security. This dual role highlights the importance of these forces in
safeguarding the democratic values and stability of the nation (Bibliotecavirtual, 2015).
Historically, from the establishment of the Ecuadorian state until 1946, military personnel had
the right to vote and participated in electing various authorities, including senators. This
involvement allowed the armed forces to have a voice in the Congress. However, in 1970, under
the government of Velasco Ibarra, military voting rights were revoked when he declared himself
a dictator.
The 2008 Constitution of Ecuador reinstated the voting rights for active-duty military and police
forces, making it optional. This change reflects an effort to integrate these public servants back
into the democratic process while recognizing their unique role in society.
Despite their voting rights, there are specific prohibitions for members of the Armed Forces and
the National Police. They are not allowed to carry weapons while voting, participate in political
campaigning, conduct electoral activities inside or outside polling places, run for office, serve on
electoral boards, or vote in military barracks or police installations. These restrictions aim to
maintain the integrity of the electoral process and ensure that the military and police remain
neutral during elections.
In summary, the public forces in Ecuador are essential for national defense and internal stability.
Their historical evolution regarding voting rights reflects broader changes in Ecuador's political
landscape, emphasizing the need for balance between maintaining order and upholding
democratic principles.
Teenager suffrage
The right to vote is an essential aspect of democracy, and its evolution reflects the ongoing
struggle for the rights of young people. In Ecuador, this fight has culminated in significant
advancements, particularly with the recognition of adolescents as active participants in the
democratic process. This change is rooted in international human rights treaties and the Ibero-
American Youth Rights Charter established in 2005, which advocate for the rights and
participation of youth.
Ecuador has taken important steps to align with these international commitments. The 2008
Constitution of Ecuador marked a historic milestone by recognizing the right to vote for
adolescents aged 16 and 17. This change acknowledged that young people are not only subjects
of rights but also vital social actors in shaping their society. For the first time, adolescents were
granted the opportunity to engage in the electoral process, which expanded democracy to include
a group that had previously been excluded from voting.
The decision to allow adolescents to vote was not merely a legal change; it was a call for a shift
in societal attitudes towards young people. It is crucial for adolescents to understand the
responsibilities that accompany the right to vote. Participating in elections is not just about
casting a ballot; it is about influencing the direction of the country and holding leaders
accountable. Recognizing the significance of their voices, various informational campaigns were
launched to educate young voters about the meaning of their vote and the importance of
exercising this right.
These campaigns aimed to provide adolescents with the knowledge they need to make informed
decisions when selecting their country's leaders. Understanding the electoral process, the
candidates, and the issues at stake is vital for responsible voting. By empowering adolescents
with information, Ecuador is fostering a generation of engaged citizens who are prepared to take
on the challenges of leadership and governance.
In summary, the inclusion of adolescents in the voting process in Ecuador represents a
progressive step towards a more inclusive democracy. It is essential for young people to
comprehend the weight of their choices and the impact they can have on their communities and
the nation. By embracing their rights and responsibilities as voters, adolescents can contribute
meaningfully to the democratic fabric of their society and help shape a brighter future for all.
Questions:
1. What do the military and police mainly do in Ecuador?
2. How did voting rights for military members change from the start of Ecuador as a
country until 1946?
3. What important change did the 2008 Constitution make about voting rights for military
and police members?
4. What rules limit what members of the Armed Forces and National Police can do when
they vote? Why are these rules important?
5. How do the military and police help keep democracy strong in Ecuador?
6. What happened in 1970 that caused military members to lose their right to vote under
Velasco Ibarra’s government?
7. What international agreements led Ecuador to let teenagers vote?
8. How does letting 16- and 17-year-olds vote show changing attitudes toward young people
in Ecuador?
9. What do informational campaigns do to teach teenagers about their voting rights and
responsibilities?
10. How does allowing teenagers to vote help make democracy stronger in Ecuador?
