Ecuador’s Vice President Veronica Abad has been suspended for two years by a judge for gender violence, facing a USD $14,100 fine. The ruling risks her public duties and follows a political complaint from Chancellor Gabriela Sommerfeld. Abad claims these actions are politically motivated, as tensions within the government escalate ahead of upcoming elections.
On February 27, an Ecuadorian judge suspended Vice President Veronica Abad’s political rights for two years due to a ruling of gender violence. Judge Guillermo Ortega Caicedo from the Electoral Dispute Settlement Court also imposed a fine of USD $14,100. This decision jeopardizes Abad’s ability to perform her public duties and raises questions about her continued role as Vice President.
Abad previously faced a 150-day suspension, which was lifted on December 23, 2023, by another judge citing the unconstitutionality of the action. The current ruling enables Abad to appeal within three days, while the judge is expected to respond within two days, but it may take up to three months for the appeal process to conclude.
Chancellor Gabriela Sommerfeld had lodged a complaint against Abad in October 2024, accusing her of political gender violence. Judge Caicedo’s verdict found Abad guilty of violating Articles 278 and 279 of Ecuador’s electoral laws by undermining Sommerfeld’s public image through discriminatory messaging. Furthermore, Abad’s actions were described as perpetuating inequality and domination.
During her tenure as Vice President, Abad was appointed as Ambassador to Israel. However, she was accused of “unjustified abandonment of her post” due to delays in her travel schedule. She alleges that these actions are politically motivated attempts by President Daniel Noboa to diminish her influence and distract from critical political issues in the country.
Abad is regarded as the natural successor to President Noboa should he be removed or incapacitated. The political climate remains tense, especially now as Noboa prepares for a run-off election against left-wing candidate Luisa González on May 24. Abad expressed to the media that her sanctions serve merely as distractions from significant issues like the tragic case of four boys of Afro descent who were forcibly disappeared and murdered in December 2023.
The suspension of Vice President Veronica Abad highlights the ongoing political tensions in Ecuador, marked by allegations of gender violence and politically motivated actions. Abad’s case reflects broader issues of discrimination and inequality in political representation. As she prepares to appeal the ruling, the outcomes of these proceedings will not only impact her career but also influence the dynamics within Ecuador’s government leading up to the upcoming elections.
Original Source: latinamericareports.com
