Ecuador seeks public backing to host foreign military bases

Ecuador’s electoral council has approved a national referendum for November 16 on whether to allow the establishment of foreign military bases in the country.

A second question on the ballot will concern the abolition of mandatory state financing for political parties, National Electoral Council Chair Diana Atamaint announced on social media, Caliber.Az reports per Reuters.

The proposal to permit foreign bases was initiated by President Daniel Noboa as part of his strategy to combat drug trafficking. Noboa has argued that effectively countering cartels requires joint action with other nations. The United States has expressed support for the initiative.

Opposition groups, however, argue that foreign military presence “will not by itself resolve Ecuador’s security challenges,” insisting the government should instead develop a “clear plan to fight narco-crime.”

Ecuador’s constitution currently prohibits the presence of foreign military bases. This restriction was introduced in 2008, following a decade in which a U.S. military base operated in the country.

By Khagan Isayev