Ecuadorians Reject Foreign Military Bases In Their Country

Ecuadorians Reject Foreign Military Bases in the Country Ecuador Ecuadoreans overwhelmingly rejected four constitutional proposals backed by President Daniel Noboa on Sunday, including the reversal of a ban on foreign military bases in the country passed by the legislature in 2008, the BBC reported. The result was a disappointment for Noboa, having campaigned for the reversal, claiming foreign troops would help fight organized crime and curb the rising violence that has swept the country in recent years, as it has emerged as one of the world’s drug-trafficking hotspots. It also dashed US hopes of expanding its presence in the eastern Pacific. Earlier this year, Noboa said that he wanted foreign militaries to join what he described as a “war” against narco-trafficking groups. Ecuador does not produce cocaine, but its huge ports and proximity to Colombia and Peru – where drugs are produced in large quantities – make the country an appealing and lucrative location for drug-trafficking gangs. According to Noboa, about 70 percent of the world’s cocaine transits through Ecuador. Noboa has also recently discussed increased regional security and migration co-operation with US officials and met with US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem last week to examine possible locations for US bases, MercoPress added. The US – which is currently striking alleged drug-smuggling boats in the eastern Pacific and the Caribbean – had hoped the referendum would allow it to re-establish a military base in Ecuador. The US was forced to close a facility on the country’s Pacific coast 16 years ago, when former President Rafael Correa decided not to renew its lease and pushed for the ban. Voters in Ecuador also rejected proposals to eliminate state funding for political parties, reduce the size of Congress, and establish a constitutional assembly to rewrite the country’s constitution. Noboa insisted that a new constitution would allow for tougher punishments for criminals and stronger measures to secure the borders. But critics contended that the proposed changes would not solve Ecuador’s security situation and accused Noboa of trying to obtain a custom-made constitution to govern without limits. They also warned that plans to shrink the size of Congress and reduce funding for political parties could result in a reduction in checks and balances on the government and weaker representation for Ecuadorans living in poorer areas. The government countered that the moves would trim state expenditures. A military crackdown on criminal gangs, including deploying armed soldiers on the streets, has been the hallmark of Noboa’s presidency. While his supporters think the approach has been successful, opponents accuse his government of authoritarianism. Share this story