"Ecuador Deals Blow to US, Blocks Military Bases"

Ecuador Rejects U.S. Military Bases in Major Defeat for President Noboa In a decisive victory for Ecuador's citizens, voters overwhelmingly rejected a referendum package that would have allowed foreign military bases in the country, dealing a significant blow to President Daniel Noboa's administration. According to official results, the no vote won, with many citizens expressing concerns about the potential risks and erosion of sovereignty. The proposal, which aimed to combat rising crime and drug trafficking, was heavily backed by Noboa, a 37-year-old conservative leader and close ally of U.S. President Donald Trump. However, the plan failed to gain public support, with many Ecuadorians fearing the presence of foreign military bases would compromise their country's independence and security. Ecuadorians voted on Sunday, November 16, 2025, to reject the package of referendum measures, which also included constitutional revisions and cuts to public funding for political parties. The rejection of the package is seen as a sharp political setback for President Noboa, who had been pushing for the measure as a crucial step to confront drug trafficking and organized crime. According to Carrie Kahn, NPR correspondent, "The result is a major defeat for President Noboa, who had been counting on the approval of the referendum package to boost his popularity and secure his position as president." Kahn also noted that the rejection of the package is a significant blow to the president's administration, which had been heavily invested in the proposal. The proposal to allow foreign military bases in Ecuador was met with widespread opposition from citizens, who expressed concerns about the potential risks and erosion of sovereignty. Many Ecuadorians feared that the presence of foreign military bases would compromise their country's independence and security, and lead to a loss of control over their own territory. According to a statement released by the Ecuadorian government, "The rejection of the referendum package is a clear indication that the Ecuadorian people are committed to preserving their sovereignty and independence." The statement also acknowledged that the government would respect the will of the people and work towards finding alternative solutions to address the country's security concerns. The rejection of the referendum package is a significant development in Ecuador's politics, and it remains to be seen how President Noboa will respond to the defeat. The president's administration has been facing growing criticism and opposition from citizens, and the rejection of the package may further erode his popularity and legitimacy. As the situation unfolds, it is clear that the Ecuadorian people have sent a strong message to their government: they will not compromise their sovereignty and independence for any reason. The rejection of the referendum package is a significant victory for democracy and a testament to the power of citizen participation in shaping their country's future. In a statement, a spokesperson for the Ecuadorian opposition party said, "This is a major victory for the Ecuadorian people, who have shown that they will not be swayed by the promises of foreign powers. We will continue to work towards a more just and equitable society, where the rights and interests of all citizens are respected and protected." As the situation continues to unfold, it is clear that the rejection of the referendum package will have significant implications for Ecuador's politics and foreign policy. The country's relationship with the United States and other foreign powers will likely be reevaluated, and the government will need to find alternative solutions to address the country's security concerns. In the meantime, President Noboa's administration will need to regroup and reassess its strategy, taking into account the will of the people and the rejection of the referendum package. The outcome of this process will be closely watched by citizens and international observers alike, and it remains to be seen how the government will respond to this significant defeat.