Ecuador: Assembly Votes 100 to 8 to End Presidential Term Limits

Ecuador’s National Assembly just voted to end presidential term limits by a vote of 100 to 8 with 1 abstention. A provision in the approved Constitutional Amendment, however, states that this would only apply after the 2017 elections. This means that President Rafael Correa cannot run for re-election. The provision was Correa’s own suggestion to show that he is not interested in holding on to power. Opposition forces reportedly attacked police with rocks and sticks outside the Assembly building during the vote. They charge that the measuree would mean an unlimited stay in office for Correa. teleSUR