Ecuadoran voters have delivered a decisive rejection to President Daniel Noboa's proposal to allow United States military bases back into the country, marking a significant political setback for the leader.
Overwhelming Public Opposition
With approximately 75 percent of ballots counted, results showed about 60 percent of Ecuadorans voted against lifting the longstanding prohibition on foreign military installations. This overwhelming public sentiment effectively blocks any possibility of the US military returning to operate from the Manta airbase on Ecuador's Pacific coast.
The Manta facility previously served as a crucial hub for Washington's anti-drug operations in the region. The referendum outcome represents more than just a policy decision - it's a serious political defeat for President Noboa, who has closely aligned himself with US President Donald Trump and pushed for deeper security cooperation.
Broader Political Implications
The vote occurred amid controversial US airstrikes targeting alleged drug-smuggling vessels in Caribbean and Pacific waters, a policy that President Noboa has openly endorsed. Nearly 14 million Ecuadorans were eligible to participate in deciding whether to overturn the 2008 ban.
Alongside the military bases question, voters also rejected three additional proposals concerning public funding for political parties, reducing the number of lawmakers, and creating an elected body to draft a new constitution. Early tallies indicated all measures were being turned down by the electorate.
"We respect the will of the Ecuadoran people," Noboa stated while conceding defeat. The president had hoped that a new constitution would expand his powers to confront rising crime rates, overhaul the judiciary system, and pursue economic reforms.
Unexpected Outcome Amid Security Crisis
The referendum result came as a surprise, since pre-vote polls had suggested Noboa would secure victory on all four questions. Although recently re-elected and maintaining popularity, the vote signals growing public frustration as Ecuador struggles with unprecedented violence levels linked to drug trafficking gangs.
In a striking statistic that underscores the security crisis, Ecuador recorded 4,619 murders during the first half of the year - the highest number in recent history.
As voting commenced, Noboa announced the arrest of "Pipo," the fugitive leader of the Los Lobos cartel who had allegedly faked his own death and escaped to Europe. Despite high-profile security crackdowns including military deployments and major prison raids, many citizens remain skeptical of Noboa's approach to combating crime.
The referendum defeat reflects mounting public concerns over security, national sovereignty, and fears that Noboa's constitutional plans could lead to excessive centralization of power. While supporters argue the country needs stronger tools to combat criminal organizations, critics maintain the president has overreached and failed to provide clear explanations for his proposed reforms.
