Ecuadorians decisively rejected a set of referendum measures, including allowing foreign military bases, reducing Congress size, and cutting public funding for political parties, marking a political setback for President Daniel Noboa.

Noboa had promoted the measures as essential to combat violent gangs and cocaine trafficking, with Ecuador serving as a major transit corridor between Peru, Colombia, and international markets.

Voters expressed concern that constitutional changes could consolidate too much power in the presidency, reflecting broader skepticism of Noboa’s leadership.

Despite states of emergency, a new maximum-security prison, and international cooperation efforts, gang violence and homicides continue to rise in the country, NPR has reported.

Analysts say lasting improvements require strengthening the judicial system and tackling corruption, as foreign military cooperation alone will not solve Ecuador’s security challenges.