Ecuadorian president advances plan for a new nationwide constitution
In a bid to address the escalating violence and drug trafficking issues, Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa has proposed a referendum for a constitutional assembly to draft a new constitution. The referendum, proposed on Sept. 17, aims to establish a special body to oversee the creation of a document that includes tougher laws against drug trafficking and organized crime.
President Noboa, an ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, was reelected in April, with voters endorsing his iron-fisted approach to cartel violence. However, his tenure has not been without setbacks. Numerous constitutional amendments proposed by President Noboa have been rejected by the country's highest court.
Ecuador, situated between the world's biggest cocaine producers, Colombia and Peru, is the departure point for 70% of the world's supply of cocaine. This has attracted criminal gangs from all over, contributing to the country's transformation from one of Latin America's safest to one of its most dangerous.
The current constitution of Ecuador, from 2008, currently prohibits the presence of U.S. military bases and troops. However, the new constitution, if approved, may allow for their presence on Ecuadorian soil. This potential change could mark a shift in the country's foreign policy.
The proposed constitution will be subject to a second referendum after it is drafted by the constitutional assembly. Clear questions will be presented for the people to express their opinion, according to President Noboa. The exact schedule for the referendums has not been announced yet.
Despite the challenges, President Noboa remains hopeful that the new constitution will help Ecuador regain its status as a safe and prosperous nation. The proposed changes come at a critical time, as Ecuador struggles to contain the violence and drug trafficking that have plagued the country in recent years.
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