The Constitutional Court (CC) is about to issue a key ruling on the constitutionality of the ban on the use of cell phones during voting, a measure adopted by the National Electoral Council (CNE). This regulation, backed by the Government, aims to prevent political extortion practices detected in previous elections.
Political activist Washington Andrade, close to the left-wing platform supporting Luisa González, filed a lawsuit against this measure. His intention would be to keep open the possibility of using mobile devices in voting precincts, which could facilitate mechanisms of pressure on voters, such as the obligation to photograph their vote.
The CNE approved the resolution on March 16, establishing the prohibition of cell phone use during voting and counting. The decision arose from reports of alleged extortions of citizens, who were allegedly required to provide evidence of their vote in favor of certain candidates.
Meanwhile, sectors of correísmo argue that the right to expression and oversight is affected, experts point out that these objections could conceal attempts to manipulate the vote through covert surveillance. The regulation establishes operational exceptions only for counting members and provides penalties for those who violate it.
