The Ecuadoran electorate dealt a major blow to President Daniel Noboa on Sunday, November 16th, rejecting the lifting of a longstanding ban on foreign military bases.
About 60% voted ‘no,’ effectively blocking the U.S. from returning to the Manta airbase, a hub for past anti-drug operations. The vote also saw Noboa’s other proposals—constitutional reforms, reducing the number of lawmakers, and ending public funding for political parties—rejected by large margins.
The result highlights growing public frustration over crime, despite Noboa’s aggressive measures against gangs and drug trafficking.
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