Ecuador vote

The referendum to create a constitutional assembly in Ecuador passed by a wide margin (some reports are now over 80% but this keeps changing as they count more). Matthew Shugart and Boz both have some discussions. Or check out BoRev.Net, a pro-Chávez blog with a sense of humor.

One issue I haven’t seen mentioned is the absence of the military—soldiers are involved in watching polling stations, etc., but in terms of making political statements there was silence. The military in Ecuador is highly politicized, and has not only a long history of intervention, but also a relatively recent history of it. Even with all the turmoil surrounding Congress and the debate about a new constitution, the armed forces have remained out of the limelight. I don’t know how long that situation will last, but it’s certainly positive.

I also must say that I am tired of constantly seeing Correa compared to Hugo Chávez, which is the same that happens with Evo Morales. The implication is that each one is just a “Mini-Me.”