Background on President Daniel Noboa and His Anti-Narco Efforts
President Daniel Noboa of Ecuador has been pushing for a new constitutional assembly focused on drafting stricter anti-narcotic laws amidst escalating violence caused by drug trafficking organizations. Ecuador has one of the highest homicide rates in Latin America.
The Role of the Constitutional Court
On Wednesday, Ecuador’s Constitutional Court issued a favorable ruling for the convening of a constitutional assembly to potentially draft a new charter with harsher anti-narcotic laws. The National Electoral Council must now decide if the constitutional assembly topic will also be subject to the upcoming referendum scheduled for November 16.
Key Points of the Constitutional Assembly Proposal
- The assembly will consist of 80 members elected by the people.
- Voters will decide whether to remove the current constitution’s prohibition on establishing foreign military bases.
- Voters will also decide on ending public funding for political organizations.
The referendum is estimated to cost around 60 million dollars, according to the electoral authority.
Historical Context and Previous Attempts
Ecuador’s current constitution, in effect since 2008, was championed by Noboa’s political rival, former socialist president Rafael Correa, who served from 2007 to 2017. Noboa attempted to implement his constitutional reform projects through the pro-government parliament but faced obstacles as the Constitutional Court deemed several proposals to violate fundamental rights.
The ongoing tension between the president and the high court paved the way for the constitutional assembly. Noboa led massive protests against the magistrates, labeling them “enemies of the people.”
Impact on Ecuador’s Security and Political Landscape
Ecuador, once relatively peaceful compared to major coca-producing nations Colombia and Peru, has experienced a dramatic increase in homicides over the past six years, rising more than 600%.
The establishment of foreign military bases in Ecuador has a history; for instance, the United States used facilities of the Ecuadorian Air Force in the fishing port of Manta (southwest) for anti-drug activities from 2009 under a ten-year cooperation agreement.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the purpose of the proposed constitutional assembly? The assembly aims to draft a new charter with stricter anti-narcotic laws in response to escalating drug trafficking violence.
- What topics will be decided in the referendum? Voters will decide on removing the constitutional prohibition of foreign military bases and ending public funding for political organizations.
- Who is President Daniel Noboa and why is his initiative relevant? Daniel Noboa is Ecuador’s current president pushing for this constitutional assembly due to the rising violence caused by drug trafficking organizations in his country.
- What is the current state of security in Ecuador? Ecuador has experienced a significant rise in homicides over the past six years, making it one of the most violent countries in Latin America.
