Ecuador’s government accused the National Electoral Council of manipulating the vote count of Saturday’s controversial referendum to make it appear as if it was losing two of the 10 issues. With 51 percent of the vote counted on Tuesday, the National Electoral Council said the government was behind on two questions.
On a plan to create a media-regulation board, the “no” vote was winning 44 percent versus 43 percent, according to the council’s website.
A measure that would let the government create a technical commission to appoint judges for the next 18 months was also being voted down. According to official figures, 45 percent have voted against it, versus 44 percent for it.
In a video posted on the presidential website, President Rafael Correa said the National Electoral Council was dragging its feet on counting the votes from the nation’s five largest provinces, which he said were overwhelmingly voting with the government.
Full Article: Ecuador referendum tightens – Americas – MiamiHerald.com.
