QUITO, Ecuador (AP) – A battle between Ecuador’s current president and his predecessor has gone to the voters. They’re deciding on a referendum that would limit presidents to two terms – a restriction that seems aimed directly at former President Rafael Correa.
The measure is backed by new President Lenin Moreno, who had been a protégé of Correa until taking office last year. They’ve been feuding bitterly almost ever since. Correa’s been upset by Moreno’s moves to build bridges to business leaders and others who had been at odds with the previous leader.
Sunday’s referendum includes seven questions. One would give Moreno more authority over a council that determines who can lead some of the nation’s most important institutions. Another would bar officials convicted of corruption from seeking office. Another would restrict mining.
Ecuador’s President Lenin Moreno shows his ballot as he votes in favor of a constitutional referendum at a polling station in Quito, Ecuador, Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018. Moreno called for the nationwide referendum that will include a question asking voters whether they want to revoke a law pushed forward by his predecessor allowing presidents to be indefinitely re-elected. (AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa)
People arrive at a voting center during a constitutional referendum called by President Lenin Moreno in Quito, Ecuador, Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018. Moreno called for the nationwide referendum that will include a question asking voters whether they want to revoke a law pushed forward by his predecessor allowing presidents to be indefinitely re-elected. (AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa)
A woman casts her vote during a constitutional referendum called by President Lenin Moreno in Quito, Ecuador, Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018. Moreno called for the nationwide referendum that will include a question asking voters whether they want to revoke a law pushed forward by his predecessor allowing presidents to be indefinitely re-elected. (AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa)
Ecuador’s President Lenin Moreno casts his ballot in favor of a constitutional referendum at a polling station in Quito, Ecuador, Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018. Moreno called for the nationwide referendum that will include a question asking voters whether they want to revoke a law pushed forward by his predecessor allowing presidents to be indefinitely re-elected. (AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa)
A woman casts her vote during a constitutional referendum called by President Lenin Moreno in Quito, Ecuador, Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018. Moreno called for the nationwide referendum that will include a question asking voters whether they want to revoke a law pushed forward by his predecessor allowing presidents to be indefinitely re-elected. (AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa)
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