Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa is likely to win a referendum on new security measures aimed at fighting rising violence in the country. The referendum includes questions about allowing the military to patrol with police, extraditing accused criminals, and increasing prison sentences for crimes like terrorism and murder. Recent polls suggest that voters are leaning towards supporting Noboa in this weekend’s vote. However, eight-hour power cuts ordered by the president amid energy shortages could potentially harm his image and affect the outcome of the referendum. The government declared an energy emergency due to historically low reservoir levels caused by an aggressive El Nino climate phenomenon.
Cocaine-smuggling gangs have spread throughout Latin America, transforming once-peaceful nations like Ecuador into cartel-infested areas, according to security officials and diplomats. In January, violence-sexed headlines globally when gunmen stormed aA live television broadcast and dozens of prison staff were taken hostage. The measures proposed in the referendum aim to address these security concerns and stem the spread of criminal activities in the country. Five of the measures would modify the constitution if approved by voters. Not all the referendum measures focus on security, as some are related to economic changes that Noboa wants to implement, such as allowing workers to be contracted by the hour – a move that critics argue will benefit the wealthy and international companies.
Investors have responded positively to Noboa’s security stance, with many seeing him as potentially able to lead the country through the next election. Ecuadorian bonds have returned significant profits to investors this year, making them one of the highest returns in emerging markets. Noboa, who took office in November, is expected to seek re-election in 2025. The government’s handling of the energy crisis and recent power cuts could impact voter perception of Noboa and influence the outcome of the referendum. The energy emergency declared by the government is due to historically low reservoir levels, primarily from hydro-power sources.
The referendum will give voters the opportunity to approve or reject the proposed security and economic measures separately. Recent polls from companies like Cedatos and Comunicaliza suggest that the majority of voters are likely to support Noboa in this weekend’s vote. However, the daily power cuts, designed to address energy shortages nationwide, are affecting the president’s image and could potentially sway public opinion. Click Research director Francis Romero believes that the popular consultation will once again serve as a referendum on the president’s approval. Noboa’s efforts to enhance security and combat rising violence have been well-re can by both local and international investors, leading to increased confidence in his leadership and the country’s stability.
Overall, President Daniel Noboa looks set to win the upcoming referendum, which asks voters to approve new security measures to address escalating violence in Ecuador. The proposed measures include allowing the military to patrol with police, extraditing accused criminals, and increasing prison sentences for serious crimes like terrorism and murder. Despite recent power cuts implemented due to an energy emergency caused by low reservoir levels, Noboa remains steered towards re-election in 2025. Investors have welcomed Noboa’s efforts to enhance security and combat criminal activities, leading to significant returns for Ecuadorian bonds so far this year. The outcome of the referendum will be crucial in determining the future trajectory of Ecuador’s security policies and economic reforms under Noboa’s leadership.
