Quito, Ecuador – Daniel Noboa, the newly elected president of Ecuador, is facing a challenging time with rising crime rates and gang violence spreading throughout the country.
In an effort to address these issues, Noboa has presented an 11-part referendum to the voters, scheduled for Sunday.
The referendum covers a wide range of proposals, including the strengthening of Ecuador’s police force and harsher penalties for crimes such as drug trafficking and murder.
However, the referendum goes beyond just security measures. It also includes reforms to the judiciary system and considerations for using arbitration in international financial disputes.
Noboa is urging Ecuadorians to vote in favor of all 11 measures to improve the economy and combat gang violence effectively.
During a public event on Monday, Noboa emphasized that voting yes would enhance the country’s laws and prevent criminals from exploiting corrupt officials in the justice system.
Despite the government’s intentions, critics are concerned about the potential impact on human rights, the economy, and security efforts in Ecuador.
Some worry that the referendum signals a shift towards harsh policies reminiscent of those in countries like El Salvador, where human rights violations have been reported.
Daniel Noboa has made the national security referendum a goal of his presidency [Dolores Ochoa/AP Photo]
Limited opposition
Despite concerns, the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE) is the only major political group advocating for a “no” vote on all 11 measures.
CONAIE has criticized the government for using the referendum to advance Noboa’s political agenda, especially as the country approaches the 2025 general elections.
Post from www.aljazeera.com