President Rafael Correa is proposing three areas where the 2008 Constitution could be reformed. According to assembly members, the reforms concern the use of genetically modified crops, actions of protection, and the roles of municipalities. 

The president would need 92 votes in the National Assembly to pass constitutional reforms. His party has 98 seats in the next assembly. Or, the reforms could be made if they passed a plebiscite.

Currently, the Constitution forbids the use of GMOs, with some exceptions. But the president of the legislative assembly Juan Carlos Casinelli says this is a topic worth revisiting. A responsible and studied use could help improve agricultural production and protect the environment, Casinelli says.

Another reform intended for the assembly will be related to actions of protection. Correa has said the actions of protection created by the constitution are being abused, as they guarantee plaintiffs certain rights and can be used punitively. But he has said a reform would not eliminate the citizen’s right to take out restraining orders, because that would be a restriction of their rights.

The last reform would concern municipal jurisdictions. The current constitution says both the state and the municipalities are responsible for health care and education. The reforms would hope to clarify the roles.