The Ecuadorian president has vowed to set an example by showing up on time for meetings and appointments in an effort to combat a national lack of punctuality.

　　"The president has made the decision that punctuality will be the government's rule," spokesman Marcelo Cevallos said in an interview with Teleamazonas television. It is unclear when the initiative would begin, however, as Mr Cevallos apologised to the audience for showing up late for the interview.

　　Gutierrez, who took office in January, has been frequently criticised by the media and political opponents for his habitual tardiness arriving as much as three hours late for appointments.

　　The presidential pledge comes after local private group Citizen Participation launched a national campaign to promote punctuality earlier this month.

　　Locally referred to as keeping "Ecuadorian Time," the nation is known for showing up late to sporting, media and government events that rarely start on time. "If the president continues to be late, we will focus on criticizing him," Anunziata Valdez, a leader from the citizens' group, told reporters in response to the president's promise.