Retos del sistema electoral ecuatoriano para garantizar el ejercicio de la democracia directa por medio de las consultas populares de iniciativa ciudadana

Abstract

Abstract: The crisis of representative democracy, evidenced by the distrust in political parties, directly affects the credibility of the electoral system and democracy itself. In this context, citizen participation through direct democracy mechanisms, such as the popular consultation, is crucial for contemporary democracies. The Ecuadorian Constitution of 2008 highlights the importance of this participation, allowing citizens to engage in matters of public interest. This essay focuses on citizen-initiated popular consultations since 2008, analyzing the obstacles to their full exercise, ranging from legal requirements to technological and economic barriers. Using a quantitative and qualitative methodology, the Ecuadorian electoral system, the rulings of the Constitutional Court, and the specific challenges in these processes are examined. The objective is to develop strategies to strengthen direct democracy in Ecuador, ensuring that citizens' voices are heard and considered in the political process.