Quito, Ecuador – In a decisive referendum held Sunday, Ecuadorian voters overwhelmingly rejected the return of foreign military bases to the country and proposals for drafting a new constitution.
Partial results, with approximately three-quarters of the votes counted, indicate that nearly 60% of Ecuadorians voted “no” to lifting the long-standing ban on foreign military presence. The referendum, which was mandatory for nearly 14 million eligible voters, presented four key questions regarding foreign bases, constitutional reform, ending state funding for political parties, and reducing the size of parliament.
Initial vote counts suggest that the remaining proposals also failed by a significant margin. The referendum results mark a notable setback for President Daniel Noboa, who had championed the initiatives.
Following the release of the preliminary results, President Noboa acknowledged the outcome, stating, “We respect the will of the Ecuadorian people.” The rejection of the constitutional reform and other measures signals a strong desire among voters to maintain the status quo and resist significant political changes.
The vote against allowing foreign military bases reflects a deep-seated sentiment within Ecuador regarding national sovereignty and concerns about external influence. The outcome is expected to have significant implications for Ecuador’s future foreign policy and defense strategies.
The results of this referendum are being closely watched by regional observers and international partners, as they provide valuable insight into the political landscape of Ecuador and its evolving relationship with the global community.
