Ecuador is holding a crucial referendum to decide on the return of foreign military bases and the drafting of a new Constitution. According to the National Electoral Council (CNE), voter turnout in the first six hours was 41.39%. These measures are promoted by President Daniel Noboa, who aims to "harden his fight against crime." Over 13.9 million Ecuadorians are called to the polls to vote "Yes" or "No" on the popular consultation, which includes a question on whether to convene and install a Constituent Assembly to draft a new Constitution. Voters must also decide on three other referendum-related issues: eliminating the ban on foreign military bases in Ecuador, reducing the number of legislators, and eliminating state funding for political parties.
