Quito, Ecuador - April 21, 2024

The primary results of Sunday's referendum and popular consultation in Ecuador show that citizens overwhelmingly support the implementation of stricter security measures, according to data from the National Electoral Council (CNE).

Two of the security-related proposals, which received massive support and could amend the constitution, have a wide margin of approval, CNE data show.

One of the proposals asked Ecuadorians whether they supported allowing the military to support the police in combating organised crime, something that currently can only happen under a state of emergency and is limited to 90 days. Early data show that 72% of voters approve of this proposal. If finally approved, this measure would allow the National Public Security Council to activate the military to assist the police with no time limit after certain measures are taken.

The other security-related proposal, which could amend the constitution, allows for the extradition of Ecuadorians - currently prohibited in the constitution - and has the support of 65 per cent of voters, CNE data show. If approved, Ecuador and the other country involved will have to meet certain conditions for extradition to take place.

All approved constitutional reforms will enter into force once they are published in the Official Registry. It is unclear exactly when this will happen.

SHOTLIST:
1. various of Quito;
2. various of security forces on the streets of Quito;
3. various people voting in Ecuador.