Ecuador's president dismisses the country's national legislature in the face of an impending impeachment vote.

Ecuador's President Guillermo Lasso has triggered a constitutional clause to dissolve government, a politically fraught move that could spark protests with the country already tackling a fragile security situation. Lasso invoked a procedure known as "mutual death," whereby the opposition-led National Assembly is dissolved and snap elections will be called. The elections will take place within the next 90 days, according to the Electoral Council president Diana Atamaint. Lasso argued his decision was the way to stop political confrontation in the country, adding that the crisis cost Ecuador millions of dollars. Former Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa, who is a left-wing opposition leader, said on Twitter that Lasso's move was "illegal" but also a "great opportunity to get rid of Lasso, his government and his rented assembly members, and recover the country." The opposition and influential federation of Indigenous organizations have previously promised mass protests if Lasso instated muerte cruzada.

Members of Ecuador’s National Police were seen standing guard outside the building that houses the country’s National Assembly after Lasso’s announcement. The Chief of the Joint Command of the Armed Forces, Nelson Proano, told Ecuadorean citizens that Lasso’s decision was constitutional and should be respected. It is normal for the armed forces and police in South American countries to give a statement of support to a current government in crisis to prevent coup rumors. On Sunday, opposition lawmaker Virgilio Saquicela was re-elected as president of the Assembly with 96 votes while Lasso’s coalition holds 25 seats in the legislative chamber. Will Freeman, a fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, said the application of muerte cruzada “would absolutely cause instability.” Lasso is too unpopular to benefit from the impression that he’s overriding checks and balances to finally get something done.