[JURIST] In a special session Wednesday, the Ecuadorian Congress [official website] voted 62-0 (there are 100 congressional seats) to remove President Lucio Gutierrez from office under a constitutional provision that allows congress to remove a president when there has been "abandonment of the position." Wednesday's vote avoids a lengthy impeachment process and under the constitution, Vice President Alfredo Palacio will now take over the position. AP has more. From Quito, Diario Hoy provides local coverage.

Previously on JURIST's Paper Chase…

• Ecuador president refuses resignation in face of protests, impeachment threats
• Ecuador congress to consider presidential impeachment
• Ecuador Congress fires Supreme Court again
• Ecuador supreme court dismissed by president