It is the highest political office in the country as the head of the executive branch of government.

At least five times, the president's duties have been charged to a provisional government or a military junta.

Before Correa, a period of deep political instability from 1996 to 2006 also saw a grave economic crisis in 1998-2000.

During this time, Durán Ballén's three elected successors, Abdalá Bucaram, Jamil Mahuad and Lucio Gutiérrez, were deposed in popular revolts, followed by military or legislative coups d'États, in 1997, 2000, and 2005, respectively.

Since Correa, Lenín Moreno (2017–2021) has also completed a full 4-year presidential term, despite a large 2019 popular revolt that nearly toppled his government.