Voters back Noboa’s crime fighting measures but reject international arbitration and labor contracts

Ecuadorians voted overwhelmingly for President Daniel Noboa’s referendum questions to fight crime in Sunday’s national referendum, particularly ones that allow the armed forces to assist police. On the other hand, voters rejected two unrelated questions, signaling they are not willing to give the president a blank check.

Two questions that passed will allow the armed forces to provide support to the National Police, and allow the armed forces to carry out controls of weapons, ammunition and explosives on roadways and in public institutions.

Other questions that were approved allow the extradition of Ecuadorians charged with crimes to other countries; establish special courts to handle constitutional issues; and increase penalties for those who commit crimes involving terrorism, illegal drugs, murder, human trafficking, kidnapping, arms trafficking, money laundering and illegal mining.

In addition, voters approved measures to: require those convicted of specified terrorist crimes to serve their entire sentences; criminalize the possession or carry of weapons, ammunition or components that are for the exclusive use of the armed forces or the National Police; turn over to the armed forces or police illegal weapons; allow the state to become the legal owner of assets gained through criminal activity.

The two questions granting increased law enforcement powers to the armed forces passed by more than 70% while the other seven questions passed with 62% to 70% of the vote.

The questions rejected by voters would have recognized international arbitration as a means of settling investment, contractual or commercial disputes; and would have amended the constitution and reform the labor code to allow fixed-term and hourly employment contracts. The measures were rejected by 65% and 69%, respectively.

In two Instagram messages, Noboa said Sunday night he was “very pleased” with the election results. “Now we will have more tools to fight crime and return peace to Ecuadorian families,” he wrote, adding that he would make a full statement on Tuesday.