Voters in Ecuador's referendum reject proposal for constituent assembly

Ecuadorians voted Sunday to strike down a proposal that would have let foreign countries run military bases in the South American country where drug gangs are extorting communities and killing politicians as they fight for territory. Another proposal rejected in the four-part referendum asked voters if they wanted to launch a process that could lead to a new constitution. Six out of 10 voters said no. [ . . . ] Ecuador has had three constitutions since the country returned to democracy in 1979, but Noboa had argued it was time to “rebuild” the country because the current constitution does not give the government enough tools to fight crime. Voters were also asked if Ecuador should set up a constituent assembly, a legislative body that would be in charge of rewriting the nation’s constitution, with Noboa arguing that a new constitution should seek tougher punishment for criminals and greater measures to control Ecuador’s borders.
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