Ecuador referendum says yes to anti-mafia measures, no to economic reforms
File photo of Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa at the National Assembly, in Quito
The people of Ecuador have approved series of security measures including extradition for the drug traffickers in a referendum on Sunday (April 21). But the Ecuadoreans also simultaneously rejected investor-friendly economic reforms, in a partial victory to President Daniel Noboa.
A total of nine points of interest on action against cocaine cartels were out for referendum on Sunday — which passed the test easily.
But voters rejected by large margins proposals to liberalise the labour market and allow international arbitration for foreign investors in the country.
What does it mean?
The referendum was the first hard test of Noboa's popularity since he took office in November. Having given a stamp of approval for his anti-gang policies, key for his potential re-election next year, the referendum's results are expected to strengthen his grip on the capital Quito's corridors of power.
But simultaneously, the rejection of his proposed economic measures weaken his mandate to implement painful reforms to make way for a new deal withthe International Monetary Fund.
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The referendum shows that Noboa is still the frontrunner in next year’s election.
Noboa, 36, saw his approval ratings rise when he declared a state of emergency. Noboa then instructed the army to be on the streets to fight the organised crime gangs. The gang violence in Ecuador has made the once-peaceful nation more violent than Mexico and Columbia.
Almost 40,000 troops were deployed to provide security at polling stations. But mayors of two mining towns in southwest Ecuador were assassinated within hours of each other just days before the voting.
Noboa hasraised taxes despite having promised to cut them, and failed to fulfill a pledge to fix rolling electricity blackouts.
Noboa, the US-educated son of wealthy banana exporters, won last year’s presidential election, but only to serve out the term of Guillermo Lasso which ends next year. The country holds another general election on Feb 9 next year.
The referendum took place amid an international crisis when Noboa sent police into Mexico's embassyto arrest a former vice president convicted of corruption.
Ecuador’s violation of diplomatic protocols caused widespread international condemnation but the residents rallied behind the government.
(With inputs from agencies)