Alvaro Noboa

National Assembly Candidate for the PRIAN

"We will accept Mr. Correa's resignation.. But this is not revenge against him."

Alvaro Noboa, institutional Renovative party for National action (PRIAN) leader has made a firm commitment not to exceed the limit on electoral spending allowed in what will be his fourth campaign, and this time for a seat in the Constitutional Assembly.

Noboa says he will Campaign "door to door" because the statute forbids giving out gifts like computers, wheel chairs or cash money.

Q. The Prian has assembled a commission which will write up a rough copy for a Constitution. Which are the most import themes of this document?
A. We are a liberal party with great emphasis on Social Justice. The essence of our proposals are liberal ideas, that is, respect for workers' rights and that a framework for economic reactivation be established... instead of the Socialist ideal that all should be poor we propose that the poor should become like the middle class in Chile ... Education should be geared towards the productive sector.

Q. what is your proposal regarding citizen's rights?
A. Our Constitution should look after freedom of the press, of productive activity, a free market, the right of worship.. We must all receive religious instruction however showing respect for different beliefs. we have observed a loss of many of these freedoms in the last few months. The press is continually threatened by this government which was put into power by the press. This government which received so much backing by the Universo, Ecuavisa and those who opposed me. They are receiving a government onslaught.

I do not harbour resentment but I do hope it will be a source of impartial information.

Q. There are controversial reforms which must be discussed by the assembly such as abortion and homosexual marriage. What is your position regarding these matters?
A. I am a Roman Catholic and I must therefore respect the teachings of my church.

Q. And concerning life - Imprisionment?
A. We all know there is no real justice in Ecuador whereby I am afraid the death penalty, and life - imprisionment would be abused and soon journalists and Politicians would be hung.

Q. During the previous Presidential Campaign you proposed eliminating Political interference in Government - control entities. How will this come about?
A. So that Political parties can avoid the blame, the people should elect all Tribunals (Electoral Constitutional) there should, also be one round to elect the President, congressmen and Tribunal Members.

Q. Must the Supreme court of justice be also elected by popular vote?
A. The Supreme Court is already elected and has self - control devices. I am opposed to changing it.

Q. Are you in favor of the Assembly dissolving Congress?
A. I am not in favor of Congressional dissolution. I do think the 57 Congressmen who were ousted should be reinstated.. this will not only draw up a new Constitution But will also resolve the crisis and expedite a return to democracy.

Q. President Correa has said he will place his job at the Assembly's disposal, will you accept his resignation?
A. We will accept Mr. Correa's resignation.

Q. Would this be your revenge against him?
A. I don't even contemplate revenge with you all will you from The Universo who have attacked me during so many campaigns. Neither do I feel that way towards him. I am a Christian, a man of God and in order to enunciate the "our father" prayer I have to forgive my enemies.

Q. How should the Constitution be reformed so that the press can properly discharge its duty to inform?
A. It should be perfectly clear that freedom of expression has to function within strict observance of the Constitution. I am not going to suggest punitive measures.

Q. However Politicians are losing more credibility.
A. In 1998 I won the election. In the second one I also won but you didn't flatter me.

Q. What is the Prian's proposal regarding the territory's Political Distribution.
A. There are people who think that autonomy should mean a Federal State where the governor is directly elected by the people and that funding should come from the province itself. Others believe the state should provide the funds and that the governor should be appointed by the President. I intend to let this Prian Commission determine how the populace feels about this issue.

Look at that happened with Santa Elena's prospective incorporation as a new province. During the campaign we said we would do what the people wanted. But who was to decide? The Guayas citizens; however to gain popularity the government wanted to sneak the law in through a window and the Prian Congressmen from Guayas, Manabi and Esmeraldas did not want to go and vote

Q. Can the Assembly prohibit the increase in number of provinces?
A. I think the Constitution should take into account the necessities of each canton.
It should be made perfectly clear that all should be attended to on an equal basis so that capital cities have the same level of services as the towns. We have to unite among us all so that Santo Domingo can be just as pretty as Quito, that La Libertad have a boardwalk like Guayaquil. The other option would entail more bureaucracy.

Q. Do you think Correa has created greater division?
A. I will not speak about this young Economist but I will tell you about the State of the Nation one hundred days ago: there was no class warfare as today. You are considered rich as compared to those in el Guasmo. They hate you because they have instilled hatred against you because you are ten times richer than someone who receives the thirty dollar bonus.

Q. What is your proposal regarding labor handling through third - party companies taking into consideration given your widespread usage of this method?
A. This system works just fine all over the world so long as the employer fulfills his obligations. Part of the Liberal ideology is to respect the worker's rights. Many people say I am the richest man in Ecuador, but I am proud to be the largest employer in the country.

Q. Do you want to preside over the Assembly?
A. No I do not aspire to the Assembly's presidency

Q. Are you willing to ally yourself with Alianza - País at the Assembly?
A. I am willing to converse with every one, including Alianza - Pais to further my Constitution. We have dialogue with right and left-wing parties, looking for the best in everyone to draw a concensus.