500,000 children vote in Ecuador

“Our government, our municipality and our families must understand what we want, and how we feel, so they understand and respect our rights”, demand the 500,000 children from 70 cantons in Ecuador, participating in the new 'consultation with children and adolescents'.

The aim is for the democratic process to be more consultative and participative, allowing children's views to be part of the debate.

October’s elections for mayors and members of municipal councils provide an opportunity to start a dialogue between children and authorities and help legitimise children’s social and political rights.

“Democracy is the best way out from corruption. We welcome the dialogue and the peaceful expression of our demands and this is how we will do it!” says Jose, a 14-year old and active participant in the consultations. The 'Children Organizations Forum', in which Plan Ecuador is one of many active organisations, is supporting the consultation.

The process started earlier this year by forming 70 electoral bodies for children. Each body led local meetings to understand children’s point of view on children’s rights, children’s participation, social investment, education, child labour, peace, violence and corruption.

On October 23rd 500,000 children vote to select their priorities from all the proposals. Through the electoral bodies and the participating organisations, children will then invite the elected authorities to consider their proposals.

“Participation allows us to express what we think. I am an optimist! Adults will hear us! Someday we will be the leaders of this country and this is the best way to prepare ourselves!” said Jose.