Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa announced his plans for a national referendum on Wednesday. The referendum aims to implement stricter anti-crime legislation and tighten security measures to counter the escalating crime rates and violence overwhelming the country.
President Noboa submitted 11 draft questions to the Constitutional Court of Ecuador for consideration for the referendum. These proposed questions aim to mandate the military’s involvement in the fight against organized crime, and to intensify punishment for severe crimes including homicide, arms trafficking, and offences associated with the smuggling and distribution of narcotics, in addition to “terrorist” activities.
This announcement is a response to the rising trend in crime rates and growing violence in Ecuador, characterized by an increase in theft, violence, and organized criminal activities. Noboa, who assumed office after a surprise snap election, called by his predecessor Guillermo Lasso to evade an impeachment, had promised to initiate a crime-fighting referendum whilst campaigning.
Ecuador’s 2023 general election was considered to be heavily influenced by narco politics and violent crime by both local citizens and the international community. In a shocking event, Fernando Villavicencio, a leading presidential candidate, was assassinated following a campaign rally, mere weeks before the scheduled elections.
A spike in violent crime began in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a series of prison massacres carried out by rival gangs being noted. Outside of prisons, the country’s homicide rate has escalated to an alarming 22 murders per 100,000 people in 2022. The violence was frequently attributed to drug trafficking gang rivalries by former President Lasso.
Through the proposed referendum, President Noboa aims to enable the government to revamp their approach to tackling violent crime. The President expressed his hope that these measures will bring peace back to Ecuador in a video message shared online.
The Constitutional Court is anticipated to give a ruling on the adherence of the questions to the Constitutional principles of Ecuador, after which the approved referendum will be put to public vote.