Ecuador Voters Reject Proposal to Allow U.S. Military Bases in High-Turnout Referendum

Nov. 17 — In a historic turnout, Ecuadorians overwhelmingly rejected a set of government proposals — including a plan to authorize foreign (including U.S.) military bases — in a nationwide consultative referendum.

With an unprecedented 82.3% turnout, more than 9 million voters took part in the consultation that posed four key questions promoted by President Daniel Noboa. Voters were asked whether to permit foreign military bases or facilities for military purposes on Ecuadorian soil, reduce the number of National Assembly members and eliminate state financing for political parties, among other reforms.

Results: The No option won on every question, with margins of roughly 56%–63% against the proposals. The National Electoral Council had tallied 98% of ballots when reporting the results.

Political Split and Campaigns

Noboa framed the consultation as a means to "modernize the state" and "restore security," arguing the changes would streamline institutions and strengthen the fight against organized crime. His ruling Acción Democrática Nacional party, allied business groups and friendly media outlets campaigned for Yes on those grounds.

Opposition coalesced around a broad coalition of political parties, social movements, academics and Indigenous organizations that urged voters to reject the measures. Citizen Revolution, led by former President Rafael Correa, was among the most vocal critics; Correa warned that the reforms risked opening the door to privatization of social services and strategic sectors.

"Our Constitution has been an example for the world. The problem is not the constitutional framework but the management of recent governments," Correa said, accusing the administration of seeking a blank check to privatize public goods.

The Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador cautioned that cutting Assembly seats would weaken the representation of rural provinces and Indigenous communities. Even some centrist and right-leaning parties, such as the Social Christian Party, distanced themselves from the government, criticizing the timing and scope of the proposals.

Aftermath and Implications

President Noboa acknowledged the defeat on Sunday night while avoiding language that framed it as an outright failure. "The people have spoken and we respect their decision. This is not the end of our project, but an opportunity to strengthen it through dialogue and legality," he said in a televised address. He later reiterated on X that his administration would continue to pursue reforms "through institutional channels."

Analysts say the result is a clear political setback that narrows Noboa's room to maneuver amid a fragmented National Assembly and an ongoing security crisis. The ruling party has signaled plans to pursue some measures through legislation, seek agreements with moderate factions, and carry out a cabinet reshuffle while refocusing the president's message on economic management and public security.

What to watch next: how Noboa negotiates with the fragmented legislature, whether any legislative versions of the proposals emerge, and how the government addresses persistent security challenges without the broad mandate it sought at the ballot box.