Ecuadorians have decisively rejected a proposal to permit foreign military bases on their soil, with nearly 65% voting against the measure in a national referendum held on November 16, 2025. Over 80% of ballots counted by Monday morning showed strong public opposition to the initiative, which aimed to reverse a longstanding ban on foreign military installations.
A separate proposal to convene a constitutional assembly also faced rejection, with 61% of voters opposing it as of the latest tally. The dual outcomes signal a clear public mandate for maintaining Ecuador’s current defense policies and legal framework.
Analysts suggest the referendum results reflect lingering concerns over sovereignty and regional stability, particularly after the controversial U.S. military presence at Manta Air Base ended in 2009. The vote comes amid heightened global interest in Latin America’s geopolitical alignment, with investors and policymakers closely monitoring shifts in security partnerships.
