ABSTRACTThe article aims to analyze the principle of separation of powers in the Ecuadorian context of the state of emergency, decreed due to the health emergency caused by COVID-19. Its specific objective is to provide reasons to consolidate this principle and an adequate understanding of it, within a regime of exception. A brief introductory look at the theoretical and experiential aspects of the state of exception reveals the general suspicion of said institution. Then, from the analysis of its defining features, its regulated nature is deduced and conditioned by constitutional presuppositions. Thus, the state of exception exists and operates in observance of the principle of separation of powers. On this principle, an analytical journey of doctrinal bases consolidates the overcoming of its traditional notion towards a collaborative and dialogic opening between powers. Furthermore, the review of the minimum functions of each power of the state during the exceptional regime shows the prevalence of one power over others to be refuted. Already in the Ecuadorian context, a review of some specific scenarios induces the ratification of the operation of the principle of separation of powers and constitutional jurisdiction during the state of emergency. Finally, critical thinking is collected regarding the management of the pandemic, from which risks and warnings for democracy and human rights are inferred.
KEYWORDS: separation of powers, state of emergency, emergency, control of power, decision making.
RESUMEN:El artículo analiza el principio de separación de poderes en el contexto ecuatoriano del estado de excepción, decretado a causa de la emergencia sanitaria por COVID-19. Su objetivo concreto radica en brindar razones para consolidar a este principio y un adecuado entendimiento del mismo, dentro de un régimen de excepción. Una breve mirada introductoria de aspectos teóricos y experienciales del estado de excepción, permite evidenciar la suspicacia generalizada sobre dicha institución. Luego, del análisis de sus rasgos definitorios, se deduce su carácter normado y condicionado por presupuestos constitucionales. Es así que el estado de excepción existe y funciona en observancia al principio de separación de poderes. Sobre este principio, un recorrido analítico de bases doctrinarias consolida la superación de su noción tradicional hacia una apertura colaborativa y dialógica entre poderes. Además, el repaso de funciones mínimas de cada poder del Estado durante el régimen excepcional, muestra refutada la prevalencia de un poder sobre otros. Ya en el contexto ecuatoriano, de la revisión de algunos escenarios concretos, se induce la ratificación del funcionamiento del principio de separación de poderes y de la jurisdicción constitucional durante el estado de excepción. Finalmente, se recoge cierto pensamiento crítico respecto al manejo de la pandemia, del que se infieren riesgos y advertencias para la democracia y los derechos humanos.
JEL CODE / CLASIFICACIÓN JEL: H11, P26
ABSTRACT
The article aims to analyze the principle of separation of powers in the Ecuadorian context of the state of emergency, decreed due to the health emergency caused by COVID-19. Its specific objective is to provide reasons to consolidate this principle and an adequate understanding of it, within a regime of exception. A brief introductory look at the theoretical and experiential aspects of the state of exception reveals the general suspicion of said institution. Then, from the analysis of its defining features, its regulated nature is deduced and conditioned by constitutional presuppositions. Thus, the state of exception exists and operates in observance of the principle of separation of powers. On this principle, an analytical journey of doctrinal bases consolidates the overcoming of its traditional notion towards a collaborative and dialogic opening between powers. Furthermore, the review of the minimum functions of each power of the state during the exceptional regime shows the prevalence of one power over others to be refuted. Already in the Ecuadorian context, a review of some specific scenarios induces the ratification of the operation of the principle of separation of powers and constitutional jurisdiction during the state of emergency. Finally, critical thinking is collected regarding the management of the pandemic, from which risks and warnings for democracy and human rights are inferred.
KEYWORDS: separation of powers, state of emergency, emergency, control of power, decision making.
JEL CODE: H11, P26