Incoming Ecuador Leader Pledges Change

From left, Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez, left, Ecuador's President -elect Rafael Correa and Bolivian President Evo Morales talk during a mass in Zumbahua, Ecuador, Sunday, Jan. 14, 2007. Correa will take office as Ecuador's president Monday. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano) (Fernando Llano - AP)

Some worry that Correa will use the assembly to strengthen presidential power. But he says his reforms aim to make elected officials more accountable, including having congressmen represent districts instead of being elected in a national vote. He supports allowing all elected officials to be recalled.

His view that Ecuador's democratic system benefits parties, not people, attracted voters disgusted with the corruption and greed of the political elite. More than 60 percent of Ecuadoreans live in poverty even though Ecuador is South America's fifth-largest oil producer.

"Our hope is that with this new government there will be jobs, work, health care, education," Maria Condor, 45, an herb vendor in Quito's San Roque market.

But Correa could face a tough challenge in a country that has suffered chronic political instability since its return to democracy in 1979. Congress dismissed the last three elected presidents _ violating impeachment proceedings _ after huge street protests demanding their ousters.

While Correa has shown a strong will that could help him stand up to the political establishment, some worry he also shows signs of an authoritarian governing style and an arrogance that could hinder efforts to compromise.

Last week he had a reporter expelled from a news conference, saying he did not show proper respect. He also warned recently that if Congress chooses an attorney general he does not like, he will not recognize his authority.

"He divides people into good and bad," said Patricio Pena, president of the Quito Stock Exchange. "The good are the ones who think as he does, and the bad are those who do not share his views."

Correa, a critic of free-market policies, plans to increase state control over the economy and renegotiate contracts with foreign oil companies to force them to share more of the oil they produce with the state.

He also intends to cut ties to the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, and has threatened a moratorium on foreign debt payments to free up money for social programs.

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Associated Press Writer Jeanneth Valdivieso contributed to this report from Zumbahua, Ecuador.