Overview
- More than 13.9 million Ecuadorians, including roughly 470,000 abroad, are casting ballots today; polls run from 7:00 to 17:00 local with initial results expected this evening.
- The single ballot asks voters to lift the constitutional ban on foreign military bases, end public funding for political parties, shrink the National Assembly from 151 to 73 seats, and authorize convening a Constituent Assembly.
- About 118,000 police and soldiers are securing the vote across the country, with domestic and international observers—including an OAS mission—monitoring the process.
- President Daniel Noboa voted and linked the referendum to combating organized crime, highlighting the reported arrest in Spain of ‘Pipo,’ leader of Los Lobos; the government says it is discussing potential U.S. basing if the ban is removed.
- Approval of a Constituent Assembly would trigger elections for constituent delegates and a later ratification referendum next year, while opponents warn the package could weaken democratic checks and concentrate power.