Ecuador Votes on Reopening US Military Bases to Combat Escalating Drug Violence

Ecuadoreans are voting on whether to lift a constitutional ban on foreign military bases as right-wing President Daniel Noboa pushes for help from the United States in confronting spiralling drug-fuelled violence. Nearly 14 million people cast ballots on Sunday in a referendum that also asks whether to reduce the number of lawmakers. Polls suggest more than 61 percent of voters back allowing foreign bases, which would likely see the US return to the Manta airbase on the Pacific coast. US forces operated from Manta between 1999 and 2009 as part of anti-narcotics efforts. The move is seen as a significant shift in Ecuador's foreign policy, with many experts warning that it could compromise the country's sovereignty. "This is a historic moment for Ecuador," said President Daniel Noboa in a statement. "We need the help of our international partners to tackle the growing threat of drug violence in our country." Noboa has been under pressure to address the rising homicide rate, which is projected to hit 50 per 100,000 people this year, the highest in Latin America. The referendum also asks voters to reduce the number of lawmakers from 137 to 121, a move that could streamline the country's legislative process. However, critics argue that it would give more power to the executive branch and undermine the country's democratic institutions. Ecuador has been grappling with unprecedented bloodshed in recent years, with many attributing the violence to the country's strategic location on the cocaine trafficking route between Colombia and Peru. The government has been working to strengthen its security forces and improve intelligence gathering, but many experts believe that more needs to be done to address the root causes of the violence. The return of US military bases to Ecuador would likely have significant implications for the country's foreign policy and its relationship with the US. While some see it as a necessary step to address the growing threat of drug violence, others argue that it would compromise the country's sovereignty and create new security risks. The outcome of the referendum is expected to be announced in the coming days, with many experts predicting a landslide victory for the pro-US base option. However, the debate is far from over, with many Ecuadoreans expressing concerns about the potential consequences of allowing foreign military bases on their soil. The US has been operating in the region for decades, with a significant presence in Colombia and Peru. However, the return of US bases to Ecuador would be a significant shift in the country's foreign policy and could have far-reaching implications for the region. As the country waits for the outcome of the referendum, many are left wondering what the future holds for Ecuador's relationship with the US and its efforts to tackle the growing threat of drug violence.