Ecuadorians will answer 11 referendum questions, that can change the image of the state. In a relatively calm country, violently crime has increased.
The homicide rate for 2023 was as high as 40 cases per 100,000. inhabitants. This is one of the worst statistics in the region. The new president decided to rise to the challenge.
Ecuador. Residents went to the polls
Miami-born Daniel Noboa has been president of Ecuador since November 2023. The 36-year-old won the position of head of state by focusing on a direct fight against gangs. Now he wants to follow suit.
Citizens of this South American country will decide whether they want to tighten security measures, use the army to fight gangs and extend prison sentences for convicted drug traffickers.
Noboa also calls for loosening restrictive extradition rules accused criminals. The aim of the changes is to effectively fight crime and obtain a solid legal basis.
Attack on a television station
The new presidential administration decided to accelerate actions after the January act of terror at one of the television stations. During the live program, armed militants stormed the studio. The attackers threatened and attacked employees. Fortunately, no one died.
The president then decided to declare an “internal armed conflict”, which enabled him use of extraordinary powers and sending the army after the group members.
Ecuador has so far been one of the calmest countries in the troubled region of South America. The country with its capital in Quito is bordered by conflict-ridden Colombia.
Source: Associated Press
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