Noboa could include more questions in the popular consultation in Ecuador

The president added, in an interview with Radio Sucre, that he was open to dialogue, but stressed that he would not accept proposals that harm citizens, such as “criticism without alternative.”

The reform proposal presented by the Andean governor has generated diverse opinions in the South American country, with many describing it as inappropriate and irregular.

In this sense, many Council members felt that this referendum needs to be well analyzed by Parliament, because, according to legislators, it depends not only on the text of the questions, but also on an understanding of the scope of its annexes.

For lawmaker Gisela Garzón, from the Citizens' Revolution (RC) movement, the questions asked in the consultation are not in line with the needs of this South American country and she explained that the questions raise reforms to laws that are already being discussed in the National Assembly.

The CEO on Wednesday justified his proposal to hold a popular consultation as a way to resolve the economic crisis, insecurity and unemployment here.

The young businessman explained, through a message on the national network, that the referendum will focus on three goals: the intervention of the armed forces in the fight against crime, strengthening the justice system so that convicts receive harsher sentences, and promoting employment through new recruitment and economic activities.

Meanwhile, the Regional Advisory Institution for Human Rights (INREDA) urged the Ecuadorian court not to give way to consultation “given the irrelevance of the questions and the economic impact on the national budget.”

The judiciary has 20 days to issue a ruling based on the chief executive's initiative, and if approved, it will be up to the National Electoral Council to call Ecuadorians to the polls.

ro/nta