Constitutional revision is hot topic as referendum campaign gets underway; Noboa’s popularity drops; Two men gunned down on Av. Ordóñez Lasso

The campaign for and against President Daniel Noboa’s four referendum questions began officially November 1. Voters go to the polls to make the final decision Sunday, November 16.

The questions to be decided are: 1) to remove the constitutional ban on foreign military bases in Ecuador; 2) to eliminate public funding of political campaigns; 3) to reduce the number of National Assembly members; and 4) to convene a constituent assembly to rewrite the constitution.

A stunt man performed several unauthorized tight-rope crossings of the Rio Tomebamba Tuesday morning. A large audience of holiday crafts fair shoppers looked on. (El Mercurio)

Last week, the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (Conaie) announced a nationwide “minga” to defeat all four questions, but its leaders said it is focusing on the question that would rewrite the constitution.

A new constitution also appears to be the top priority for Noboa, who claims it is necessary to fight organized crime. He claims the current constitution provides personal rights that allow the judicial system to let criminal go free. He also wants to change the rules for the Social Security (IESS) system, transferring the system’s health care services to the Ministry of Public Health.

He has also said he wants a constitution that reduces restrictions on mining and oil projects and that encourages more foreign investment.

Although most political analysts believe the first three questions will receive voter approval, they claim opinion is trending against constitutional revision. Noboa’s proposed changes to IESS, they say, is unpopular with most members of the system.

Noboa’s popularity drops in new poll
The Argentine polling group CB Consultora reports that President Daniel Noboa’s popularity has slipped since its last poll in April. In the new poll, released last week, Noboa has dropped from third most popular president in South America to fifth, with a 42.9% approval rating.

Ahead of him are Lula da Silva (Brazil) with 48.8%, Javier Milei (Argentina) with 45.9%, Yamandú Orsi (Uruguay) with 45.5%, Gabriel Boric (Chile) 43.4%.

In April, Noboa’s approval rating was 47.5%.

Two men gunned down on Av. Ordóñez Lasso
A gunman attacked and killed two men Wednesday afternoon at the intersection of Av. Ordóñez Lasso and Los Cedros. According to eyewitnesses, the shooter approached the victims’ red pick-up truck at the intersection and fired several shots through the passenger window. The shooter then fled on foot.

Police say the shooter was riding in dark pick-up truck behind the victims’ truck.

Although the names of the victims were not immediately released, Cuenca Mayor Cristian Zamora said police told him both had criminal records and were associated with a gang. The mayor met Wednesday night with the district police command to learn details of the murders and to discuss law enforcement strategy for the city.

The murders were the 12th and 13th in Cuenca in 2025.