María Alejandra Muñoz is the fourth vice president of Ecuador in three years

She will occupy the position in the months that remain for the Government of President Moreno, who must appoint a new authority to replace Muñoz at the head of SENAE

With 75 affirmative votes, 22 negatives, and 38 abstentions, the National Assembly appointed María Alejandra Muñoz, current director of the National Customs Service of Ecuador (SENAE), as the new vice president. She is the fourth person to occupy this position in the 3 years of the Lenin Moreno Government.

After Otto Sonnenholzner’s resignation, on July 7, 2020, President Lenín Moreno sent the shortlist to the National Assembly for the appointment of the new authority.

María Paula Romo, Minister of Government, led the list, followed by Juan Sebastián Roldán, Presidential Cabinet Secretary, and María Alejandra Muñoz, SENAE representative.

The legislator Rubén Bustamante (AP) said

María Paula Romo “has an impeccable career from the academic political and women’s rights point of view.” With 36 affirmative and 87 negative votes, 1 blank and 11 abstentions, Parliament did not approve the motion for Romo to be the new vice president.

Legislator Noralma Zambrano (AP) moved Juan Sebastián Roldán, who has held several positions near Moreno. With 12 affirmative votes, 88 negative and 35 abstentions, the Assembly did not approve the motion for Roldán to occupy the vice presidency.

Marcia Arregui (AP) moved the last person in the list: María Alejandra Muñoz. With 75 affirmative, 22 negative and 38 abstentions, the Legislative Plenary approved the motion and is designated as the new vice president of Ecuador.