National Congress (Ecuador)

The National Congress (Spanish: Congreso Nacional) is the unicameral legislative branch of the government of Ecuador.

Under the 1998 Constitution, Congress meets in Quito and is made up of 100 deputies (diputados). Each of the country's 22 provinces returns a minimum of two deputies plus one additional seat for every 200,000 inhabitants.

Congressional elections were last held on 20 October 2002; the next will take place on 15 October 2006.

Eligibility

To serve as a congressional deputy, the following requirements must be met:

• Ecuadorian citizen by birth, not by naturalisation
• Having full enjoyment of political rights
• At least 25 years of age upon filing candidacy
• Native of the province represented, or resident thereof for at least three years immediately prior to the election