Ecuadorians reject all constitutional reforms proposed by President Noboa in national referendum
Voters in Ecuador rejected all proposals put forth by President Daniel Noboa in a national referendum Sunday, including measures to convene a Constituent Assembly and allow foreign military bases.
November 17, 2025 - 04:26 PM ET • 2 min read
Ecuadorian voters delivered a significant political setback to President Daniel Noboa on Sunday by rejecting all four proposals he put forward in a national referendum and popular consultation. The results, which represent the first major reversal for the conservative leader since he took office in late 2023, saw citizens vote against constitutional reforms aimed at restructuring the government and enhancing security measures.
The consultation involved 13.9 million eligible voters and focused on several key changes Noboa sought to implement.
The most decisive questions concerned the potential for deep constitutional change and foreign military cooperation. With nearly 99% of votes counted, approximately 61% of voters rejected the proposal to convene a Constituent Assembly intended to reform or rewrite the current Constitution, according to electoral authorities.
A similar percentage of voters opposed the proposal that would have allowed the installation or readmission of foreign military bases within Ecuador. Foreign military bases have been prohibited in the country since the 2008 Constitution was enacted under former President Rafael Correa.
President Noboa had strongly advocated for the measure regarding foreign military presence, arguing that international cooperation, including shared or foreign bases, was essential for effectively combating organized crime and drug trafficking networks plaguing the country. He also argued that the 2008 Constitution needed revision to reflect current national realities.
Voters also rejected the two other proposals included in the consultation. These measures sought to eliminate mandatory public financing for political parties and reduce the number of representatives serving in the National Assembly.
The outcome was described by analysts as a strong call for rectification and a warning to the Noboa administration regarding its governmental management. The defeat comes months after Noboa secured a comfortable victory in the presidential elections.
Following the announcement of the results, President Noboa acknowledged the outcome. "We consulted the Ecuadorians and they have spoken. We respect the will of the people," the president wrote on his X account. The immediate next steps for the administration remain uncertain following the comprehensive defeat.