Ecuador Rejects Foreign Military Bases and Constitutional Reforms in Referendum
Ecuador's populace has delivered a resounding "No" to a contentious proposal that would have paved the way for foreign military bases to return, ostensibly to bolster the nation's fight against powerful drug cartels. With over 80% of ballots tallied, preliminary results indicated that more than 60% of voters rejected the measure in Sunday's crucial referendum.
President Daniel Noboa, who had championed the reintroduction of foreign bases as a vital tool in his administration's "war on drugs," acknowledged the outcome via a concise statement on X, affirming his respect for "the will of the Ecuadoran people." This particular question was one of four key proposals put before nearly 14 million eligible voters. The referendum also sought public opinion on issues like discontinuing state funding for political parties, reducing legislative numbers, and establishing an elected body to draft a new constitution.
A Blow to Noboa's Anti-Drug Strategy
The "No" vote represents a significant setback for President Noboa, who aimed to secure popular backing for his intensified anti-drug campaign, which included advocating for stricter laws and expanded executive powers. Noboa had previously argued that foreign military presence, prohibited since 2008, was essential to curb the escalating violence fueled by territorial disputes and illicit activities of drug-trafficking organizations. Ecuador, he stressed, is struggling to combat these sophisticated criminal syndicates independently.
Prior to the referendum, Noboa's government had already engaged in discussions with the United States and Brazil regarding the potential stationing of their troops in Ecuador. Notably, in November, President Noboa personally guided U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on a tour of the Manta military base located on Ecuador's coast. This specific base had a history of hosting U.S. military operations from 1999 to 2009.
Ecuador's Enduring Drug Predicament
Ecuador's geographical position, nestled between Colombia and Peru – the world's primary coca producers – makes it a critical transit hub in the global narcotics supply chain. This vulnerability has been highlighted by the International Crisis Group, noting the country's long-standing role as a "transit corridor." The severity of the crisis is underscored by alarming statistics: the first half of the current year alone witnessed 4,619 murders, marking the "highest in recent history," according to the Organized Crime Observatory.
Constitutional Reform Rebuffed
Beyond the foreign bases, voters also largely rejected the proposal to form an elected body for drafting a new constitution. Over 61% voted against this constitutional overhaul. Noboa had contended that the existing constitution, with its extensive 400-plus articles, was cumbersome and flawed. However, his lack of specific details regarding desired changes led to accusations that his true motive was to consolidate power and curtail citizen rights.
The referendum outcomes reflect a clear message from the Ecuadoran public, influencing the future direction of the nation's security and governance.