QUITO, Ecuador — In a pivotal national referendum held on Sunday, Ecuadorians cast their votes on a series of proposals that could reshape the country’s constitutional framework and security policies. The referendum, comprising four key questions, sought public approval for amending the constitution to permit foreign military bases on Ecuadorian soil and to initiate a process that could lead to the drafting of a new constitution. This comes as Ecuador grapples with escalating violent crime, driven by its role as a major transit hub for cocaine produced in neighboring Colombia and Peru. Drug trafficking gangs have targeted presidential candidates, mayors, and journalists in their struggle for control over ports and coastal cities. President Daniel Noboa, a conservative leader advocating for a tough stance on crime, has been a vocal proponent of the referendum. In recent weeks, Noboa has engaged in discussions with U.S. officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, to explore regional security and migration cooperation. He also showcased a military base along Ecuador’s coast that could potentially host U.S. troops. ‘International cooperation is the only way to dismantle these transnational criminal networks,’ Noboa stated after casting his vote. The referendum also included proposals to reduce public funding for political parties and to decrease the number of legislators in the National Assembly from 151 to 73. While Noboa argues these measures are essential to curb excessive government spending, critics warn they could undermine political representation, particularly in low-income communities. Additionally, voters were asked whether Ecuador should establish a constituent assembly to rewrite the constitution, a move Noboa believes is necessary to strengthen crime-fighting tools and border control. However, opponents fear a new constitution could weaken legislative and judicial oversight of the executive branch. Voting is compulsory in Ecuador for individuals under 64, with nearly 14 million registered voters participating in this historic decision.
Ecuadorians vote on whether to allow foreign military bases amid rising crime
