Ecuadorians have rejected a proposal to expand a U.S. military base, voting against the measure in a constitutional referendum held in Guayaquil on Sunday. The outcome marks a significant shift in the country’s stance toward foreign military presence, aligning with broader regional concerns about U.S. influence. The referendum followed months of public debate, with critics arguing that the expansion would undermine national sovereignty and provoke regional tensions.
The decision comes as the U.S. military’s campaign in waters near Latin America has been a source of controversy, prompting resistance from several countries. Ecuador’s rejection of the proposal reflects growing opposition to U.S. military operations in the region, which has been a focal point of diplomatic discussions. Analysts suggest that the vote signals a broader trend of Latin American nations seeking to assert greater control over their sovereignty and foreign policy decisions.