Assembly clears path for public referendum to allow foreign military installations in Ecuador

The National Assembly on Tuesday voted to support President Daniel Noboa’s proposal to allow foreign military bases in Ecuador. The bases, which would be allowed for the purpose of combating transnational crime, must be approved in a national referendum since it changes wording in the constitution.

Ecuador’s 2008 constitution prohibits foreign military personnel and military bases in the country.

The National Assembly voted Tuesday to allow a public vote on whether to allow foreign military bases in Ecuador.

President of the Assembly’s Security Commission Inés Alarcón said the elimination of the prohibition, recognizes the fact that confronting international criminal groups requires international cooperation.

“This is too big a problem for one country to handle,” she said. “Ecuador needs help in this fight and this involves a multi-nation approach.” She added that the proposal also includes special training for law enforcement and military personnel and acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment to confront organized crime.

“Contrary to what opponents are claiming, this does not open the door to large foreign military bases that would perform a broad range of missions. This would only allow small installations with a limited scope of assisting in fighting criminal organizations,” she said. “It will up the Ecuadorian people to decide if they support the proposal.”

The measure passed with 82 votes with the 64-member Citizens Revolution bloc voting against it, its members claiming the constitutional changes would violate national sovereignty.

Following the vote, Assembly President Niels Olsen said no country has so far expressed an interest in posting troops in Ecuador. “If it is approved by voters, this simply gives the government the option of working with other nations to fight crime,” he said. “Foreign military installations is only one option, and it would happen only by invitation of the government.”

Before the proposal goes to a national vote, the Constitutional Court must approve the wording of the referendum question. The court will have 20 days to review the question once it is received from the Assembly. After the wording is approved, a referendum must be called within 45 days.