Ecuador Rejects Foreign Military Bases and Constitutional Assembly in Referendum

Referendum Results

• 🗳️ Ecuadorians overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to allow foreign military bases in the country, with nearly two-thirds of voters opposing the measure.
• 🏛️ A separate proposal to convene an assembly to rewrite the constitution was also rejected by over 61% of voters.
• 📉 These referendum losses represent a significant blow to President Daniel Noboa, who had supported both measures.

Opposition and Public Sentiment

• 🎉 Opposition figure Louisa Gonzalez declared the results a victory for a sovereign people who rose up with dignity.
• 💬 The outcome signals a desire for a country where citizens can live with dignity, security, and peace, rather than hatred or fear.

Context of the Vote

• 🌍 President Noboa had argued that foreign cooperation, including bases, was central to fighting organized crime and that the constitution needed revision.
• 📈 Ecuador has faced an unprecedented security crisis and economic challenges in recent years, becoming a key drug transit hub.
• ⚖️ Other measures, including reducing the size of the national legislature and stopping public funding for political organizations, also appeared set to fail.