EcuadorPolitics

=Politics = Type: Republic Independence: May 24, 1822 (from Spain) Constitution: October 20, 2008 Branches: Executive- President and cabinet. Legislative- unicameral National Assembly. Judicial- National Court of Justice, Constitutional Court, Provincial Courts, ordinary civil and criminal judges, Prosecutor General's office. Electoral- National Electoral Council, Electoral Disputes Tribunal. Administrative subdivisions: 24 provinces Major political parties: Over a dozen political parties and movements; President Correa's Proud and Sovereign Fatherland (PAIS) Voting: Obligatory for citizens 18-65 yrs. of age; optional for other eligible voters.
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 * Government**

President- Rafael Correa/head of state and government Vice President- Lenin Moreno/successor of the president in turbulent times, aid in decision-making Minister of Foreign Affairs- Ricardo Patino/helps to form foreign policy Minister of Defense- Javier Ponce/responsible for the matters of defense, including all branches of military Ambassador to the United States- Luis Gallegos Chiriboga/represents Ecuador and assists their governement Ambassador to the Organization of American States- Francisco Proano Arandi/represents Ecuador & responsible for diplomatic matters Ambassador to the United Nations- Francisco Carrion Mena/represents Ecuador & responsible for diplomatic matters
 * Principal Government Officials (4 year term of office, may be re-elected)**

References "Ecuador ." //U.S. Department of State//. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 May 2011. .