Guillermo Lasso dissolved the National Assembly last month to avoid an impeachment trial for alleged corruption. The president, who has been in office for just two years, now says he won't run in the August election, Ednews informs.
Ecuador's President Guillermo Lasso said Friday he would not seek another term in office, just days after fresh elections were called for August 20.
Lasso, who has been accused of allowing corruption in state-owned companies, announced the decision after dissolving the National Assembly last month to avoid an impeachment trial against him.
"After deep reflection, I want to announce that I will not accept the nomination for the presidency of the Republic for the August elections," the 67-year-old Lasso announced at a news conference.
"This has been the greatest honor of my life, but I love democracy way beyond the role of president," he added. "If my duty as president requires me to give up my position and protect democracy, then I will do so. Without fear and with a clear conscience."
It was the first time a president in Ecuador has ruled out a fresh term in office.
More than 13 million in the South American country of just over 18 million people will be eligible to vote.
If no winner is declared in the first round, a runoff is scheduled for October 15.
