Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa Faces Crushing Defeat in Referendum as Voters Reject Foreign Military Bases
In a resounding rebuke to the government, voters in Ecuador have rejected a proposal to allow the return of foreign military bases, with nearly 90% of ballots casting a "no" on the plan. The outcome marks a significant blow to Noboa's efforts to combat organized crime and strengthen ties with Western powers.
The decision comes as violence continues to plague the country, with cocaine production surging in neighboring Colombia and Peru. Gangs have attacked presidential candidates, mayors, and journalists, while the US military conducts air strikes against alleged drug smuggling boats. The divisive policy has been backed by Noboa, who has also ratified agreements for joint military operations with the US.
However, many voters appear to be driven by concerns over sovereignty and the country's history of foreign military presence. "The main issue here is the sovereignty and the fact that this country has had experience of having military bases in the past," said Alessandro Rampietti, a reporter based in Quito. "There have been allegations of many abuses committed by US soldiers, including sinking fishermen's boats and increasing prostitution in towns near the bases."
Voters overwhelmingly rejected a separate measure to convene an assembly to rewrite the constitution, with nearly 61% casting a "no" vote. The proposals also included reducing the number of legislators in the National Assembly from 151 to 73.
The rejection blocks the US military's plans to return to an airbase at Manta on the Pacific coast, which was once used by Washington as a hub for anti-drug operations. Ecuador banned foreign military bases on its soil in 2008.
Critics say Noboa's efforts to strengthen ties with Western powers have been misguided and that the country needs to address corruption and weak law enforcement to combat organized crime. "The problem is that the laws in the country are not implemented," said Michael Shifter, a senior fellow at the Inter-American Dialogue. The outcome marks a significant setback for Noboa's efforts to fight crime and strengthen ties with Western powers.
In related news, Ecuador has announced the capture of its most-wanted drug kingpin, who had been hiding in Europe under an assumed identity. The development comes as the country grapples with unprecedented violence and corruption.
In a resounding rebuke to the government, voters in Ecuador have rejected a proposal to allow the return of foreign military bases, with nearly 90% of ballots casting a "no" on the plan. The outcome marks a significant blow to Noboa's efforts to combat organized crime and strengthen ties with Western powers.
The decision comes as violence continues to plague the country, with cocaine production surging in neighboring Colombia and Peru. Gangs have attacked presidential candidates, mayors, and journalists, while the US military conducts air strikes against alleged drug smuggling boats. The divisive policy has been backed by Noboa, who has also ratified agreements for joint military operations with the US.
However, many voters appear to be driven by concerns over sovereignty and the country's history of foreign military presence. "The main issue here is the sovereignty and the fact that this country has had experience of having military bases in the past," said Alessandro Rampietti, a reporter based in Quito. "There have been allegations of many abuses committed by US soldiers, including sinking fishermen's boats and increasing prostitution in towns near the bases."
Voters overwhelmingly rejected a separate measure to convene an assembly to rewrite the constitution, with nearly 61% casting a "no" vote. The proposals also included reducing the number of legislators in the National Assembly from 151 to 73.
The rejection blocks the US military's plans to return to an airbase at Manta on the Pacific coast, which was once used by Washington as a hub for anti-drug operations. Ecuador banned foreign military bases on its soil in 2008.
Critics say Noboa's efforts to strengthen ties with Western powers have been misguided and that the country needs to address corruption and weak law enforcement to combat organized crime. "The problem is that the laws in the country are not implemented," said Michael Shifter, a senior fellow at the Inter-American Dialogue. The outcome marks a significant setback for Noboa's efforts to fight crime and strengthen ties with Western powers.
In related news, Ecuador has announced the capture of its most-wanted drug kingpin, who had been hiding in Europe under an assumed identity. The development comes as the country grapples with unprecedented violence and corruption.
I mean i understand sovereignty is a thing but isnt it also about security? 
like what if usa or china wanna invade ecuadors neighboring countries then whats gonna stop them? 
noboa seems to be trying to do the right thing to combat organized crime but now hes getting crushed for it 
maybe he should've just kept it quiet instead of putting it on the ballot box 
like what just happened? 90% no to foreign military bases lol is it even possible to get a bigger no on this one 
noboa's gonna have to rethink his whole "western powers are our saviors" thing... or something 
and yeah, the sovereignty thing definitely resonated with people. i mean who wants some us soldier messing up their fishing boats or prostitution ring in their town? 
not on my watch 
they literally rejected a plan to have foreign military bases back in the country which is like super shady lol i mean noboa wants to fight crime but its all about strengthening ties with wester powers not addressing corruption and weak law enforcement 
from sinking fishermen's boats to increasing prostitution in towns near the bases it just gets worse and worse 
noboas gotta rethink his strategy or something 
. Noboa's tryna flex his muscles with the US, but voters ain't havin' it 
. Ecuador's history of foreign bases is a major concern for ppl, especially with those allegations of US soldier abuses 
. And btw, the fact that they're tryna rewrite the constitution? No way, Jose 
.
its all about respecting their borders and having control over their own affairs 
. Anyway, I'm glad people are being vocal about it... now let's see what happens next 
My kid deserves to grow up in a world where they don't have to be scared of their own country's military actions. 
As a parent, all I can do is hope for the best and pray for my kid's safety. 
this is so predictable... like, Noboa just wanted to make friends with the US but people are all "nah, no foreign bases, thanks" lol! 
seriously though, it's about time Ecuador stands up for itself. I mean, who needs more military presence in their country? It's just gonna lead to more trouble and who gets hurt again? not the government tho, of course 
but actual ppl like fishermen and journalists... 61% voted no on rewriting the constitution too, that's a major win for democracy 