Ecuador set to vote to approve raft of security measures in Sunday referendum

19/4/2024 19:11

        Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa looks set to win a referendum on Sunday that asks voters to support new security measures to fight rising violence, although recent power cuts could pose a threat to the 'yes' vote.
        
        Cocaine-smuggling gangs have expanded into every corner of Latin America over the last decade, turning once-tranquil nations like Ecuador into cartel badlands, security officials and diplomats say.
        
        In January, the violence made global headlines when gunmen stormed a live television broadcast and scores of prison staff were taken hostage.
        
        The mostly security-related questions in Sunday's referendum include asking voters to approve allowing the military to patrol with police, extraditing accused criminals, and increasing prison sentences for crimes such as terrorism and murder, among other measures.
        
        Five of the measures would modify the constitution if approved.