Ecuador’s Vice President Veronica Abad has been suspended for two years over gender violence claims, facing a fine of USD $14,100. The court ruling jeopardizes her political capacity and reignites tensions within the current administration, especially ahead of upcoming elections. Abad asserts that this is a politically motivated tactic to divert public attention from pressing issues.
Ecuadorian Vice President Veronica Abad has been suspended from her political rights for two years by a court ruling stating she was guilty of gender violence. The ruling, delivered by Judge Guillermo Ortega Caicedo on February 27, imposes a fine of USD $14,100 and jeopardizes her position as Vice President. This decision follows complaints from Chancellor Gabriela Sommerfeld regarding alleged acts of political gender violence by Abad.
The court’s ruling cites infractions according to Articles 278 and 279 of Ecuador’s electoral law, which safeguard women’s political rights and prohibit gender discrimination. Judge Caicedo stated that Abad disseminated messages that perpetuated gender inequalities, aimed at undermining Sommerfeld’s public image.
Prior to this ruling, Abad’s political suspension of 150 days, mandated for alleged neglect of duty, was lifted by a judge in December 2024 as unconstitutional. The latest sanction arrives just ahead of Ecuador’s May 24 run-off elections, which highlights ongoing tensions within the current administration led by President Daniel Noboa.
Abad, who is the natural successor to Noboa, has characterized the ruling as a means to distract the public from pressing issues, such as recent violent criminal incidents. She vowed not to allow these distractions to overshadow critical concerns facing the Ecuadorian people. Planning Minister Sariha Moya has been appointed interim Vice President in Abad’s absence.
Abad has the right to appeal the ruling within three days, creating a potentially lengthy process as she prepares to contest this latest decision.
The suspension of Vice President Veronica Abad for two years due to gender violence allegations raises significant concerns about political motivations behind such court rulings. It underscores ongoing tensions within the Ecuadorian government and reflects broader social issues regarding gender equality in political representation. Abad’s insistence that the ruling is a distraction points to the critical need for transparency and accountability in governance.
Original Source: latinamericareports.com
