Ecuadorians are demanding increased security measures at any cost, according to the results of a referendum proposed by President Daniel Noboa. The referendum was a resounding victory for Noboa, reaffirming his agenda for re-election, although there is a slightly bitter aftertaste.
In terms of security, the referendum saw overwhelming support (surpassing the 70% mark) for the Armed Forces to continue assisting the National Police in the fight against drug trafficking and organized crime, solidifying their position as the most respected institution in the country.
However, the results were reversed for the two economic questions that were focused on by the Citizen Revolution and radical indigenous leaders in their campaign against Noboa. As a result, Ecuador will not become the first country in the region to implement hourly contracts.
President Noboa, in his only appearance on election night, emphasized the importance of enhancing the country’s security measures and restoring peace to Ecuadorian families. He also announced the appointment of Michele Sensi, a close ally, as the new government minister, replacing Mónica Palencia.
The victory in terms of security also included measures to enforce sentences, increased penalties for crimes related to drug trafficking and organized crime, and the immediate confiscation and use of police and military weapons. Illicit or unjustly acquired assets will also be urgently seized. With around 75% of the ballots counted, the government received between 72.74% and 60.07% support on these issues.
In the fight against impunity, the referendum also approved extradition, a measure that was previously denied to former President Guillermo Lasso.
Overall, the referendum served as a testament to Noboa’s commitment to a firm approach, which was further demonstrated by the arrest of notorious gang leader Fabricio Colón, also known as Captain Pico. Captain Pico’s escape from prison in January led to the declaration of “internal armed conflict” and the violent attack on the TC television channel in Guayaquil.
The Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities (Conaie), which advocated for left-wing unity against the government, stated, “The message from the Ecuadorian people is clear: yes to fighting crime and no to Noboa’s economic model.” Former President Rafael Correa’s Citizen Revolution also claimed victory while labeling Noboa as a “little dictator.”
Analyst Matías Abad summarized the referendum results, stating, “It was not the outcome the government expected. Winning a game or a championship requires celebration with the people, but Noboa only published a few photos within the cabinet. Both the government and the opposition lost because the citizens did not vote blindly; their choices were based on thoughtful analysis.”