Ecuador to Hold Referendum on Security, Justice, and Economic Reforms

Ecuador is set to hold a referendum and popular consultation on April 21, which includes 11 questions on security, latest justice, employment, and international arbitration. Six of the questions would require constitutional changes, while five involve reforms and issues of national interest.

The referendum, pushed by President Daniel Noboa, is seen as a measure of confidence in his administration and its efforts to tackle the country's spiraling violence. Recent polls suggest that between half and two-thirds of voters plan on approving the questions.

The security, measures in the referendum include allowing the military to patrol with police, extraditing accused criminals, and increasing jail time for crimes like terrorism and murder. Noboa has been touting an $800 million 'Phoenix Plan' to address Ecuador's worsening security issues, which the government blames on the growing influence of cocaine trafficking gangs.

Why this matters: The referendum comes as Ecuador has seen a significant deterioration in security since the COVID-19 pandemic, with the assassination of a presidential candidate and hostage-taking of prison staff highlighting the severity of the situation.

The outcome of the vote could have major implications for Noboa's ability to implement his security agenda and address the country's escalating violence.

However, the referendum also includes measures related to employment and international arbitration in business disputes. Detractors argue that the economic proposals would lead to a decline in workers' rights and benefit international companies over locals.

The broad nature of the 11 proposals has raised concerns about potential consequences for human rights, the economy, and security, measures stabilization efforts. The main opposition group, the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE), has accused the government of using the referendum to further Noboa's political ambitions.

While the referendum enjoys relatively broad public support, with 42.7% of voters planning to back Noboa's proposals according to polls, some critics argue that the policies disproportionately affect marginalized groups. The vote could pave the way for the military to have a permanent role in policing, which some residents support due to the perceived reduction in violence during the recent state of emergency declared by the government.

Key Takeaways

• Ecuador to hold a referendum on 11 questions and 6 require constitutional changes
• The referendum, pushed by President Noboa, is seen as a measure of confidence in his administration
• Security measures include military patrols, extradition, and increased jail time for crimes
• The referendum also includes employment and international arbitration proposals, raising concerns
• The broad nature of proposals raises worries about human rights, the economy, and security impacts