Las regiones autónomas en Ecuador: 2008-2022

Abstract

The concept of autonomous regions has been present in ecuadorian law since 2008, when it was included in the Montecristi Constitution. However, almost fifteen years later, no regions have been established in Ecuador. In this work we first examine the reasons of this particular phenomenon, beginning with a theoretical analysis of the territorial organization, with an especial analice on federalism, unitarism, autonomy, decentralization, and the Spanish paradigm. On second instance, the work focuses on the Ecuadorian history related to the present topic, looking for understand, through the normative evolution and different particular events, the reasons that gave way to the inclusion of the regional alternative; additionally, we deeply examine the constitutional and legal norms that develop this model, discovering significant difficulties related to the requirements, constitution process, and competencies. Finally, we analyze the future of this concept inside the supreme law, exploring the possibilities for its practical implementation, as well as the way to eliminate, replace, or reform it.