Ecuadorians voted against allowing the return of foreign military bases to the country in a constitutional referendum held on Sunday.
The proposal, put forward by President Daniel Noboa, aimed to equip the government with additional measures to combat the escalating violence attributed to organized crime gangs linked to drug trafficking.
With more than 95 percent of ballots counted and a "marked trend" established, the "No" vote prevailed on the question seeking to eliminate the constitutional prohibition on establishing foreign military bases in Ecuador, according to the National Electoral Council.
"I do not believe that hosting military bases is the right approach. What I mean is that it would be better to increase investment in gendarmerie and naval bases, rather than introducing them from other countries, as I see no value in that approach," said Paula Ortiz, an Ecuadorian university student.
At the four-part referendum on Sunday, Ecuadorian voters were also asked whether they should cut public funding for political parties, reduce the number of lawmakers and set up a constituent assembly that would draft a new constitution.
Over 800 observers were deployed to monitor the voting process and more than 100,000 military and police personnel were dispatched to ensure security.
President Noboa had repeatedly said that Ecuador is facing a severe violence crisis and requires foreign military involvement to combat drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and transnational organized crimes.
Ecuadorians reject foreign military bases in referendum
