Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has appointed Planning Minister Sariha Moya to serve as interim vice president until Vice President Veronica Abad arrives in Turkey to represent the country, according to the Minister of Government on Thursday. This decision comes amid a prolonged dispute between Noboa and Abad.

Abad, also the country's ambassador to Israel, was suspended from her position in November by the labor ministry. The suspension was due to her failure to comply with an order to travel to Turkey, prompted by security concerns related to the Gaza conflict. However, a court overturned the suspension in December, and on the same day, Noboa directed Abad to go to Turkey and take on a temporary role as a counselor at Ecuador’s embassy there.

Noboa has now reinstated Moya, who had previously served as temporary vice president, to take on the interim role once again. Moya will continue in this capacity until January 22 or until Abad's arrival in Turkey, as confirmed by Minister of Government José De La Gasca during a press briefing.

The ongoing tensions between Noboa and Abad have been marked by frequent clashes, although Abad maintains that she has done nothing wrong. As Noboa seeks re-election in February, there were concerns that taking an unpaid leave for his campaign could result in Abad temporarily assuming leadership, a scenario Noboa had previously opposed. Gasca clarified on Thursday that Noboa is not required to take leave during the campaign.