Yesterday, Ecuadorians cast their votes for substantial security reforms during a national referendum led by President Daniel Noboa.
This vote confirmed strong public support for his strategies to tackle rising crime.
The National Electoral Council (CNE) quickly and reliably reported that the majority supported nine of the eleven proposed policy questions.
These endorsed measures, receiving 60% to 73% of the vote, aim to boost the collaboration between the Armed Forces and police.
They intensify the crackdown on organized crime, increase control over arms and ammunition, and raise penalties for serious crimes like terrorism and murder.
Additionally, the reforms facilitate the extradition of citizens involved in international crimes and promote the creation of specialized constitutional courts to speed up justice.
In the recent plebiscite, economic measures including fixed-term and hourly employment contracts were decisively rejected by the electorate, with 68% voting against them.
Similarly, the proposal to utilize international arbitration for dispute resolution was also turned down, with 64% of voters opposing it.
An impressive 72% of the 13.6 million eligible voters participated, showing strong engagement in this crucial electoral process.
Despite initial challenges from severe weather, this turnout demonstrated Ecuador’s deep-rooted democratic enthusiasm.
On social media, President Noboa thanked everyone and pledged to use these new measures to restore peace and enhance security throughout Ecuador.
His actions counter the rising drug trafficking that has turned quiet regions into centers of criminal activity across Latin America.
Furthermore, this referendum also gauged Noboa’s popularity, ten months before his potential reelection bid, signaling strong public endorsement of his leadership and policies.
These results mark a significant move toward strengthening law and order in Ecuador amid ongoing security and economic challenges.
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This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated newsroom system. How we use AI · Report an error · Editorial responsibility: Matthias Camenzind, Editor-in-Chief