Overview
- The electoral authority confirmed that all four measures were defeated, including plans to convene a constituent assembly, end public party financing, and sharply cut the size of the legislature.
- The proposal to allow foreign military facilities was rejected by roughly 60% of voters, preventing any U.S. return to the former anti-drug site in Manta.
- Nearly 14 million Ecuadorians were eligible to vote as the country contends with surging organized-crime violence and a growing role in cocaine trafficking.
- President Daniel Noboa, who championed the proposals, acknowledged the loss and said he respects the will of the electorate.
- The vote unfolded as U.S. forces stepped up anti-drug operations in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, and shortly after Noboa announced the arrest in Spain of Los Lobos leader 'Pipo' Chavarría.