Drug cartels and smugglers are a very common sight in South America. Over the years, these nefarious networks have ensured that the youth, the common populace stays duped- destroying their future forever. Ecuador is no different case, The drug cartels have waged open wars in Ecuador’s streets and prisons.
Drug-related violence prompted Lasso to declare a state of emergency in November in parts of Ecuador. It is not a coincidence that it is sandwiched between Colombia and Peru, the world’s largest producers of cocaine. The problem is eating Ecuador daily and people are living the life of misery.
But, not anymore, Ecuador has decided to implement a massive crackdown on drug menace through public support. Possibly, ‘the greatest referendum’ in history of Ecuador has taken place.
Referendum for peace
5th February 2023 was red letter day for Ecuador. As the nation continues to be marred in drug problems, Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso called for public support. He introduced a referendum, stressing the call for action in the Ecuadorian constitution.
A total of 13,450,047 Ecuadorians participated in the elections throughout the country. A total of 23 provincial prefects (Governors), 221 mayors, 864 urban councilors, 443 rural councilors, 4,109 parish councilors, and 7 CPCCS councilors were elected.
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However, Ecuadorians were also asked some major questions to determine the path of the nation. Reportedly, Ecuadorians had to answer the eight questions of the referendum promoted by the Ecuadorian president, Guillermo Lasso. These questions were based on the environment, institutionalism, and extradition of drug traffickers.
The Ecuadorians were asked to choose between Yes or No to the questions of the referendum the Guillermo Lasso Government has put on the ballot.
The criminal question
According to reports, Ecuador wants to extradite residents of the countries where organized crime is practiced. Though, Ecuadorians cannot be extradited for any offenses, including transnational organized crime-related offenses like trafficking in drugs, weapons, people, or migrant smuggling. And hence, Quito has asked citizens to support the measure.
The Ecuadorian government has asked the public if the military and police should work together to combat the country’s drug problems and gang violence. While other issues like increasing the size of the assembly and reforming the judicial system have also been raised by the populace. All eyes are currently focused on how the results play out for Lasso.
Addressing the drug issue
The drug problem is indeed a very serious concern for Ecuador. In several streets, even ten-year-old kids are seen consuming cocaine.
Just because drug consumption is high in Ecuador, the United States has listed Ecuador among the top 22 drug-producing or transit countries in the world. Despite the fact that it does not have any significant drug plantations, cartels, or large laboratories for refining cocaine of its own.
The Guayaquil port of Ecuador is used to export drugs made elsewhere to the Americas, Europe, and Asia. This has led to a brutal territorial war between gangs that has resulted in killings on the streets and in Ecuador’s overcrowded jails. The authorities claim that some of these gangs have ties to Mexican cartels.
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Extradition and stricter law enforcement are urgently needed in order to take some really severe action. However, given that Lasso has a 15% approval rating, it is still unclear whether he will receive approval. Everyone deserves a second chance, so if Lasso is sincerely asking for one, Ecuadorians must grant it.