Ocasio-Cortez, Casar, Jackson Lead Call For Free, Fair, Transparent Elections In Ecuador

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) alongside Congressman Greg Casar (TX-35) and Congressman Jonathan Jackson (IL-1) led 14 members of Congress in a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling for him to support a free and fair electoral process in Ecuador.

Ecuador’s runoff election will take place April 13th.

The letter outlines threats to democracy in Ecuador including President Daniel Noboa violating Ecuador’s election law and claiming, without evidence, that the first round of the election was marred by irregularities. It also urges the administration to emphasize the need for a free, fair and transparent electoral process and demands the Trump Administration respect the outcome of the election if electoral observers determine those conditions are met. Finally, the letter raises concerns about human rights abuses by Ecuadorian security forces and directs Secretary Rubio to ensure that the transfer of security assistance to Ecuador occurs in accordance with U.S. law and policy.

The lawmakers write: “We urge you and other senior State Department officials to support the democratic process in Ecuador, and oppose all efforts to undermine the upcoming election. In the event of a non-democratic transfer of power following the election, we expect all bilateral assistance to Ecuador will remain compliant with U.S. statutes related to the peaceful and democratic transfer of power. Finally, we urge a review of all security assistance to Ecuador to ensure that it complies with Leahy Law restrictions.”

The letter was led by Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Greg Casar (TX-35), and Jonathan Jackson (IL-01) and signed by U.S. Representatives André Carson (IN-07), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Chuy García (IL-04), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Ilhan Omar (MN-o5), Mark Pocan (WI-o2), Delia Ramirez (IL-o3), Jan Schakowsky (IL- o9), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), and Nydia Velázquez (NY-07).

A copy of the letter can be found here. 

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