Ecuador’s Assembly has initiated a discussion about military bases after approving a bill. The matter will be revisited by a Commission led by Gissela Garzón, with new legislators due to take office on May 14th. A strong opposition exists against foreign military presence from groups like CPAZ, who argue it undermines national sovereignty. The ultimate decision may involve a referendum.
Ecuador’s upcoming legislature may be tasked with deciding the fate of military bases within the country. This prospect follows the recent approval by the Assembly of a bill during a first debate, which has been referred back to the Occasional Commission for further analysis. The Commission, led by Assemblywoman Gissela Garzón of Citizen Revolution (RC), may request an extension, allowing the newly elected legislators, who take office on May 14th, to oversee further discussions and prepare for a second debate.
The RC is poised to hold a significant number of seats in the new Assembly, although not a majority. They may collaborate with the Pachakutik movement to undermine any constitutional amendments related to foreign military presence, potentially influencing the outcome of the proposals. President Noboa initially proposed the bill to the Assembly in October 2024, following the Constitutional Court’s favorable ruling that could permit the presence of foreign military bases by amending Article 5 of the Constitution.
If Parliament approves this initiative through two votes, the ultimate decision will be placed before the citizens in a referendum. Opposition to foreign military bases is being vigorously voiced by the Coordinator for Peace, Sovereignty, and Non-Interference (CPAZ), which is leading a digital campaign to protect the nation’s sovereignty and self-determination. The organization has declared, “Foreign military bases have not only failed to address insecurity but have also exacerbated social inequalities and diverted resources that could be invested in health, education, and development.”
CPAZ has joined forces with the A World Beyond War global movement to gather signatures against the military base proposals, intending to present them to the National Assembly. They have underscored the consequences of the previous Manta Base, which operated from 1999 to 2009, highlighting issues such as human rights violations and ineffective strategies in combatting drug trafficking, while stressing the need for a sovereign approach to security.
In conclusion, the future of military bases in Ecuador remains under scrutiny as the new Assembly is expected to address this contentious issue. With significant public opposition voiced by organizations like CPAZ and the potential collaboration between RC and Pachakutik, the decision may hinge on citizen input following legislative deliberations. As such, the path forward involves both political negotiation and community engagement.
Original Source: www.plenglish.com
