The National Assembly approved a partial reform to Article 5 of the Constitution that eliminates the explicit prohibition of foreign military bases. President Daniel Noboa presented this proposal as part of his national security policy.
The reform proposes replacing the article with a more open wording: "Ecuador is a territory of peace", which would enable the possibility of signing bilateral defense agreements. The initiative strengthens the Government's strategic approach in the face of the violence crisis.
Correísmo and indigenous sectors rejected the change, arguing that it undermines sovereignty, even though there is no formal offer from any country to establish bases. Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld has the mandate to explore options.
Historically, this tool has been used as a political barometer. Seven presidents used it before Noboa. Only three failed. The Executive now seeks to repeat its security victory from the previous referendum.
bases militares extranjeras
The campaign will take place once the Constitutional Court approves the text for ballots. The National Electoral Council must organize the referendum within a maximum period of 45 days from that validation.
The political environment presents favorable conditions for the ruling party. Citizens, tired of insecurity, could support a more forceful strategy. Parliamentary support for this reform also demonstrated the consolidation of the ruling bloc. The reform doesn't imply immediate authorization, but rather a legal enablement for future agreements. This allows the Government to act with greater flexibility in the face of transnational threats.
In contrast to the economic setbacks suffered in April, this move once again places the president in a position of political initiative. The use of the referendum as a direct tool reinforces his image as a decisive leader.
The reform proposed by Noboa opens a new stage in national defense policy. If it secures support at the polls, the Government will consolidate a new legal framework aligned with the country's security realities.
