This working paper consists of an empirical analysis of the constitutional mechanism called “empty chair” – in Spanish: silla vacía. In a first step, the conceptual and normative foundations for the institutional configuration of this mechanism are presented which in turn are forming the basis for the demonstration of its functioning in the municipalities of the province Pichincha from 2010 to 2013. The goal is to evaluate the performance of this mechanism within a setting of participatory democracy. There is evidence that the “empty chair” does not necessarily strengthen the representation of civil society forces in local governments with dominant party majorities as well as in the ones where the “empty chair” is appointed in a closed, intransparent way.