Today's News: Payments for Polling Station Members and New Controlled Substances
Today we highlight important information regarding the payment to citizens who worked in the elections and new health control measures. We also report on the death of an activist on the coast and security operations in Quito, along with a report on the decrease of the young male population in the country.
Citizens who participated as members of the Polling Stations (MJRV) —the boards responsible for receiving and counting votes— during the 2025 Referendum and Popular Consultation can now collect their financial compensation. The National Electoral Council (CNE) has reminded that there is an established deadline for members of these boards to withdraw the money corresponding to their service during the election day.
Regarding health and safety, the Government of Ecuador has added 10 new substances to the list of products subject to oversight. This measure, promoted by the Ministry of Public Health and the Inter-institutional Committee for Drug Prevention, seeks to strengthen control over synthetic drugs and improve the surveillance of chemical substances within the national territory.
In the international and security sphere, the Polish government has formally requested an impartial investigation from Ecuador following the death of Polish activist Mónika Silva. The death was recorded last Monday in the town of Montañita, Santa Elena province. Polish authorities are demanding transparency in the process to ensure respect for human rights.
On the other hand, control authorities in Quito shut down a clandestine party at a country estate in Conocoto, in the Valle de los Chillos. During the operation, the presence of nearly a thousand people was detected, including 200 minors who were without adult supervision. Between January and May 2026, the city has initiated 22 sanctioning processes for the organization of unauthorized events.
Finally, an analysis of demographic data reveals that Ecuador has lost 248,157 young men in the last 35 years due to preventable external causes. This figure coincides with a significant drop in male birth rates, which has been cut in half over the same period, raising concerns about the country's future population.
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