The extension of military and police authority, a major increase in firearms control, and tougher punishments for drug trafficking and “terrorism” were put to the voters for approval.
According to Diana Atamaint, chairwoman of the National Electoral Council, a resounding majority of Ecuadorian voters have passed a referendum opening the door for the extradition of leaders of organized crime.
Based on a fast count of vote results on Monday, approximately 65% of legitimate ballots were marked “yes” on the extradition issue, while 35% were marked “no,” electoral authorities announced in a news conference.
Daniel Noboa, the president, praised the outcome.
“We have defended the country, now we will have more tools to fight crime and restore peace to Ecuadoran families,” Noboa had stated previously.
Of the 17.7 million people living in the nation, about 13.6 million could vote “Yes” or “No” on 11 referendum topics.
Ecuador, a once-peaceful country, has been dealing with an alarming increase in violence that has killed two mayors this week and flared up due to an increase in drug trafficking.
Assailants in coastal Ecuador shot and killed a prison warden, bringing further carnage to the day.
“We have defended the country, now we will have more tools to fight crime and restore peace to Ecuadoran families,” Noboa had said before.
Approximately 13.6 million of the 17.7 million citizens of the country were eligible to vote “Yes” or “No” on 11 referendum-related issues.
Once a tranquil nation, Ecuador has been grappling with an alarming rise in violence that has claimed the lives of two mayors this week and escalated as a result of a rise in drug trafficking.
More tragedy of the day came when attackers in coastal Ecuador shot and killed a prison warden.
harsher sanctions
At least twelve politicians have been killed in Ecuador since January of last year. Among them was Fernando Villavicencio, a contender for president, who was shot and killed in August following a campaign event.
A significant drug boss who is still at large was jailbroken in January, prompting Noboa to declare a state of “internal armed conflict,” accusing roughly twenty criminal factions of being responsible for the outburst of violence.
Noboa sought public support in Sunday’s vote for his proposals to crack down even further on those who commit such crimes.
The extension of military and police authority, a major increase in firearms control, and tougher punishments for drug trafficking and “terrorism” were put to the voters for approval.
Additionally, Noboa is looking to amend the constitution to allow for the extradition of Ecuadorians who are wanted abroad for crimes related to organized crime.
According to government figures, the country’s murder rate increased to a record 43 per 100,000 people last year, from just six in 2018.
The Guayas province of Ecuador seemed more secure to its citizens in 2023 than any other place in the world, barring active war zones, according to a report released on Friday by the polling firm Gallup.
SOURCE: TRTWORLD
