Ecuadorians voted against allowing the return of foreign military bases in the country, thwarting US hopes of expanding its presence in the eastern Pacific region.
The referendum result represents a blow to Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa, who campaigned to change the constitution to repeal the ban passed by the country’s legislature in 2008.
He had said that this would help combat organized crime and reduce the increasing violence that the country has witnessed in recent years, during which it has become one of the largest drug trafficking hotspots in the world.
The United States had hoped that the referendum would pave the way for the opening of a military base in Ecuador, 16 years after the closure of a site on the Pacific coast.
Although Ecuador does not produce cocaine, its large ports and proximity to Colombia and Peru – where large quantities of the drug are manufactured – make it a desirable and lucrative location for drug trafficking gangs.
About 70% of the world’s cocaine passes through Ecuador, according to Noboa.
His presidency was marked by a tough military crackdown on criminal gangs, including the deployment of armed soldiers on the streets.
Supporters say his approach has helped fight crime, but critics say his government has resorted to authoritarian methods.
The former US military base on Ecuador’s Pacific coast has been closed after leftist President Rafael Correa decided not to renew its lease and pushed for a constitutional ban.
US Interior Secretary Kristi Noem recently toured military installations in Ecuador with Noboa.
Noboa told the BBC earlier this year that he wanted foreign “armies” to join what he described as a “war” against drug trafficking groups. He recently held talks on increasing regional security and immigration cooperation with US officials.
The referendum also saw voters reject ending public funding for political parties, reducing the size of Congress, and creating a constitutional assembly to rewrite Ecuador’s constitution.
Noboa said the new constitution would allow tougher penalties for criminals and stronger measures to secure borders, but critics said it would not solve broader social problems such as insecurity and poor access to education or health care in some areas.
Critics also feared that plans to reduce political party funding and the size of Congress would reduce checks and balances on government and representation in poor areas, even though the government had hoped to save public funds.
Noboa responded by saying he would “respect” the result of the vote.
On the day of the referendum, the leader of one of the largest drug trafficking gangs in Ecuador, Los Lobos, was arrested in an operation involving the Spanish police.
Noboa said Wilmer “Bebo” Chavarria faked his death and was hiding in Europe while controlling criminal operations such as drug trafficking, orders to kill and illegal mining in Ecuador.
Both Ecuador and the United States have designated Los Lobos as a terrorist organization under domestic law.
The referendum came as the United States sent its largest military deployment to the Caribbean in decades, including the world’s largest warship and bomber aircraft.
It carried out at least 21 strikes on alleged drug trafficking vessels in the eastern Pacific and Caribbean, killing at least 83 people. No evidence was provided about who was on board the plane, and some lawyers said the strikes may violate international law.
Speculation is growing about whether the United States will strike ground targets in Venezuela.
The United States alleges that its President Nicolas Maduro is the head of a drug trafficking organization, an accusation he strongly denies.
Many observers believe that the US military buildup in the region is also an attempt to pressure Maduro to force him from power.
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2025-11-17 02:59:00
