The people of Ecuador are rising up to refound their country as a pluri-national homeland for all. This inspiring movement, with Ecuador's indigenous peoples at its heart, is part of the revolution spreading across the Americas, laying the groundwork for a new, fairer, world. Ecuador Rising aims to bring news and analysis of events unfolding in Ecuador to english speakers.

Monday, July 28, 2008

Ecuadorian Assembly Votes Constitution

Montecristi, Ecuador (Prensa Latina) - After eight months of continuous work, the Ecuadorian Constituent Assembly started on Thursday its last plenary session to approve the Constitution.

The session started one hour later than scheduled with a tribute to Liberator Simon Bolivar, on the occasion of his 225th birthday (July 24, 1783).

A proposal by Cesar Rodriguez to declare July 25 as a civic holiday, so that all Ecuadorians can watch the ceremony of presentation of Ecuador"s new Constitution, was approved by 81 votes in favor.

Rodriguez said the country is witnessing history in the making and called the entire population to take part in the ceremony. Later, President of the Constituent Assembly Fernando Cordero let members of the assembly state whether they agree with the 444-article constitutional text.

Previously, PRIAN (Renovating Institutional Party) representative Anabelle Azin announced that her group would vote against the text drafted by the Assembly, with a majority of members from Acuerdo Pais.

Members of PSP (Patriotic Society Party) also reiterated their opposition, while Acuerdo Pais ratified its vote in favor of the Constitution, which, in its opinion, represents the continuation of change towards a better future in Ecuador.

Assembly members from the Popular Democratic Movement and Diego Borja, from the Democratic Left, also announced their support to the 20th Constitution, as it offers clear guarantees for work, as well as the right to free education and health for the entire population.

After each and every 130 assembly members speak, the new legislation is expected to be subject to voting, thus closing a chapter in the process of changes started when economist Rafael Correa assumed power in January 2007.

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