### Ecuador's Historic Vote: A Rejection of Foreign Military Bases and Constitutional Change Ecuador has made a significant political statement by voting against the return of foreign military bases, particularly those of the United States, in a recent referendum. This decision comes as a major setback for President Daniel Noboa, a conservative aligned with former President Donald Trump, who had sought to amend the constitution to facilitate the establishment of these bases. Approximately **61%** of voters opposed the proposal, effectively blocking the U.S. from re-establishing a military presence at the Manta airbase, which was previously a center for anti-drug operations [https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2025/11/18/noboa-ecuador-vote-foreign-military-bases][https://www.scmp.com/news/world/americas/article/3333041/ecuador-voters-reject-return-us-bases-blow-trump-ally-noboa]. ### Breakdown of the Referendum Results and Implications 1. **Referendum Overview**: - The referendum included questions about allowing foreign military bases, ending public funding for political parties, reducing the number of lawmakers, and initiating a process for a new constitution [https://theweek.com/politics/ecuador-noboa-military-bases]. - All proposals were rejected by a significant margin, indicating a strong public sentiment against foreign military presence and constitutional changes [https://24newshd.tv/17-Nov-2025/ecuador-voters-reject-return-us-military-bases]. 2. **Political Context**: - President Noboa, who has been in office for a short time, had campaigned on a platform of addressing rampant crime and drug trafficking, which has plagued Ecuador in recent years [https://insideclimatenews.org/news/17112025/ecuador-rights-of-nature-vote]. - The rejection of the military bases is seen as a direct challenge to his authority and a reflection of public discontent with his administration's handling of security issues [https://www.kxcv.org/2025-11-17/ecuador-rejects-u-s-military-bases-in-major-defeat-for-president-noboa]. 3. **Public Sentiment**: - Many Ecuadorians expressed their frustration with Noboa's leadership, feeling that his policies have not effectively addressed the rising violence and insecurity in the country [https://24newshd.tv/17-Nov-2025/ecuador-voters-reject-return-us-military-bases]. - The vote reflects a broader desire among the populace to maintain sovereignty and resist external military influence, particularly from the U.S. [https://srilankamirror.com/world/ecuador-votes-against-allowing-foreign-military-bases-in-country]. ### Evidence and Data Supporting the Outcome - **Voting Statistics**: - Approximately **60-61%** of voters rejected the proposal to lift the ban on foreign military bases, with nearly **14 million** eligible voters participating in the referendum [https://24newshd.tv/17-Nov-2025/ecuador-voters-reject-return-us-military-bases]. - **Crime Rates**: - Ecuador has seen a dramatic increase in violence, with **4,619 murders** reported in the first half of the year, marking the highest rates in recent history [https://insideclimatenews.org/news/17112025/ecuador-rights-of-nature-vote]. - **Public Opinion**: - Many voters expressed a desire for a government that prioritizes national sovereignty and effective crime control without foreign military involvement [https://theweek.com/politics/ecuador-noboa-military-bases]. ### Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Ecuador's Sovereignty The recent referendum in Ecuador marks a pivotal moment in the country's political landscape, showcasing a clear rejection of foreign military bases and constitutional amendments proposed by President Noboa. 1. **Major Rejection**: The overwhelming vote against foreign military bases signifies a strong national sentiment for sovereignty and self-determination. 2. **Political Implications**: Noboa faces significant challenges ahead as public trust in his administration wanes amid rising crime rates and ineffective governance. 3. **Future Outlook**: The results of this referendum may influence future political strategies and the direction of Ecuador's domestic and foreign policies, particularly regarding security and international relations. This decisive vote reflects the Ecuadorian people's commitment to maintaining their rights and ecological constitution, resisting external pressures, and seeking solutions to their pressing issues from within [https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2025/11/18/noboa-ecuador-vote-foreign-military-bases][https://www.scmp.com/news/world/americas/article/3333041/ecuador-voters-reject-return-us-bases-blow-trump-ally-noboa].