Radical Liberal Party

The Radical Liberal Party (Partido Liberal Radical; PLR) was an anticlerical political party in Ecuador that emerged during a period of liberal ascendancy in the late 19th century. Led by figures like General Eloy Alfaro, the party sought to diminish the influence of the church in state education, institute civil marriage and divorce, and promote freedom of religion. They also confiscated church estates and eased press controls. Despite these reforms, the party's leadership retained authoritarian tendencies, and the changes had little impact on the impoverished Indigenous populations and peasants. Political parties in Ecuador must achieve at least 5 percent of the vote in two elections to remain on the electoral registry.123