UPDATE ~ Ecuador congress removes president for "abandoning position" News
UPDATE ~ Ecuador congress removes president for "abandoning position"

[JURIST] In a special session Wednesday, the Ecuadorian Congress [official website] voted 62-0 (there are 100 congressional seats) to remove President Lucio Gutierrez from office under a constitutional provision that allows congress to remove a president when there has been "abandonment of the position." Wednesday's vote avoids a lengthy impeachment process and under the constitution, Vice President Alfredo Palacio will now take over the position. AP has more. From Quito, Diario Hoy provides local coverage.

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