Ecuador's flag is a tricolor design that carries deep historical and cultural significance. It consists of three horizontal bands: yellow, blue, and red, arranged in proportions of 2:1:1. The yellow stripe occupies the upper half of the flag, while the blue and red stripes share the lower half equally. Each color embodies a distinct aspect of Ecuador's identity and history:

• Yellow symbolizes the abundance and fertility of the nation's land, highlighting Ecuador's rich agricultural heritage and natural wealth. It also represents the country's biodiversity and resources, reflecting its position as one of the most ecologically diverse nations in the world.

• Blue represents the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, which borders Ecuador, as well as the skies that stretch across its diverse landscapes. This color emphasizes the country's connection to nature and its geographical location.

• Red honors the sacrifices made by Ecuadorian soldiers and martyrs during the battles for independence from Spanish rule. It serves as a reminder of the bloodshed and struggles endured to achieve freedom and sovereignty.

The national flag often features Ecuador's coat of arms centered on the yellow and blue bands when used for official purposes. The coat of arms includes iconic elements such as the Andean condor, Mount Chimborazo (a symbol of the nation's geographical pride), and a depiction of a steamboat on the Guayas River, which represents progress and commerce.

Ecuador's flag was officially adopted on September 26, 1860, and its design is closely related to the flags of Colombia and Venezuela, reflecting their shared history as part of Gran Colombia in the early 19th century.

Demonstrations against the government of Daniel Noboa took place on Friday in several Ecuadorian cities in rejection of prolonged blackouts, insecurity, criminal violence and the ongoing economic crisis, which protesters attribute to the current administration. 

The president has declared a new 60-days state of exception in the provinces of Guayas, Los Ríos, Manabí, Orellana, Santa Elena, the Quito Distrito Metropolitanan District, and the canton of Camilo Ponce Enríquez because of “conmoción interna” and “conflicto armado interno”.

The state of exception includes a curfew from 10 pm until 5 am in the cantons of Camilo Ponce Enríquez, Durán, Balao,

Babahoyo, Buena Fé, Quevedo, Pueblo Viejo, Vinces, Valencia, Ventanas, Mocache, Urdaneta, Baba, Palenque, Quinsaloma, Montalvo, La Joya De Los Sachas, Puerto Francisco de Orellana, Loreto, and the parish of Tenguel in the province of Guayas.

See Presidential Decree 2024/410 for the whole text: this link.

The National Electoral Council (CNE) announced on Thursday that Ecuador's presidential and legislative elections will take place on February 9, 2025. Incumbent president Daniel Noboa, who was elected in 2023 to complete Guillermo Lasso's term, will be running for reelection.

Lasso called for a snap election in 2023 to avoid potential impeachment for alleged embezzlement. Noboa's current term, lasting only 18 months, was the result of that early vote.

The CNE confirmed that the election would include the selection of a president, vice president, five Andean Parliament representatives, and 151 members of the National Assembly, an increase from 137 due to population growth.

With more than 13.7 million registered voters, including over 456,000 abroad, Ecuador will see 17 presidential candidates in the race, including Leonidas Iza, leader of the country’s largest Indigenous organization, and Henry Kronfle, the current president of the National Assembly.

Noboa, a centrist backed by right-wing parties and known for his neoliberal policies, surprised many in 2023 by winning over 52% of the vote against socialist candidate Luisa Gonzalez, who is also running again. Noboa, heir to a banana empire, was born in the United States.