The most significant defeat came with the rejection of a proposal to convene a Constituent Assembly to draft a new constitution, with about 61.5 per cent voting against it. Voters also rejected attempts to lift the ban on foreign military bases, reduce public funding for political parties, and cut the number of legislators.

Turnout was high: more than 80 per cent of the 13.9 million eligible Ecuadorians cast their ballots. The results reflect growing public distrust towards Noboa’s reform agenda, which critics have framed as a centralisation of power.

President Noboa responded by acknowledging the outcome and pledging to respect the will of the people . “We consulted Ecuadorians, and they have spoken,” he tweeted, adding that his commitment to the country remains “strengthened.”

Political observers suggest that this outcome could reshape Ecuador’s political climate, limiting Noboa’s capacity to push through controversial reforms and signalling a strong mandate from citizens to preserve existing democratic institutions.

One of the most controversial items on the ballot would lift Ecuador’s constitutional ban on foreign military bases, allowing international forces to establish installations on its soil. Supporters argue this could help the country fight organised crime more effectively, while critics warn it risks compromising Ecuador’s sovereignty and dragging it into geopolitical rivalries.

Another proposal calls for a new Asamblea Constituyente , or constituent assembly, to draft an entirely new constitution. This would give ordinary Ecuadorians a direct role in rewriting the country’s foundational laws, but the process also raises questions about how much influence the president and current political forces will wield in shaping the future legal framework.

The other two questions focus on political finance reform and reducing the size of the national legislature. One asks voters if public funding for political parties should be eliminated, forcing parties to rely solely on private contributions. The second seeks to cut the number of members in the National Assembly roughly in half, from 151 down to 73.

The outcome could carry major international implications. Any decision to open the door to foreign military bases may shift regional security dynamics, especially given Ecuador’s strategic location. Meanwhile, transforming the constitution and reforming political finance could fundamentally change how power is distributed and how governance works in the Andean nation.

Bangladesh’s interim government is under pressure as political parties continue to clash over the July National Charter, a framework meant to guide the country’s transition. The rift has widened over how and when a national referendum on the Charter should be held. Despite repeated calls for unity, the stalemate threatens to delay vital reforms and further test the credibility of the interim administration.

Government faces test as parties spar over referendum timing

The government’s biggest test now lies in navigating growing partisan tensions. Several political parties are unwilling to compromise on the referendum’s timing, accusing the interim government of trying to dictate the process. Officials, however, warn that if talks fail, the government may move ahead unilaterally to keep the transition on track. Analysts suggest that such a move could spark political unrest at a sensitive time for the nation.

Can political parties reach an agreement through discussion? What history says

Observers remain sceptical that the warring political camps will voluntarily engage in meaningful dialogue. Historical precedents show that major political agreements in Bangladesh have often required mediation or external pressure rather than self-initiated consensus. Political scientists argue that unless this dynamic changes, the July Charter dispute risks becoming another protracted impasse in the country’s democratic evolution.

Is the July Charter drive losing its way?

Efforts to secure broad-based agreement on the Charter appear to be faltering. Major parties have refused to participate in government-led discussions, accusing the administration of lacking transparency. Critics worry that the government’s top-down approach and political brinkmanship are eroding public confidence in what was supposed to be a unifying reform process. Without renewed dialogue, the Charter’s legitimacy could come under question both domestically and internationally.

Cabinet likely to take up issue in next meeting

In a bid to break the deadlock, the interim government plans to bring the July Charter and referendum timeline before its advisory council at the next cabinet meeting. The move signals that officials are aware of the growing urgency but remain divided on the strategy. Political analysts believe the cabinet’s decision could determine whether the country moves toward reconciliation or sinks deeper into political uncertainty.

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has called on the authorities to ensure that its upcoming mass rally proceeds without obstruction , describing it as a peaceful exercise of democratic rights amid an increasingly charged political climate. The rally, expected to draw thousands from across the atolls, is being organised to protest what the MDP calls “erosion of institutional independence” and “selective application of justice.” The party has urged the government and police to uphold constitutional freedoms, warning that attempts to disrupt the event would deepen political divisions. Analysts see the rally as a crucial test of public sentiment ahead of local elections and as a reflection of the widening rift between the ruling coalition and the main opposition.

MDP launches campaign demanding release of Lootuvaifi rally detainees

The MDP has launched a nationwide campaign demanding the immediate release of detainees arrested during the earlier Lootuvaifi rally, where dozens were taken into custody amid allegations of excessive police force. The campaign combines street demonstrations with a digital outreach strategy aimed at international human rights organisations. Party leaders argue that the arrests were politically motivated and form part of a broader pattern of suppression against opposition voices. The government, in response, has defended the arrests as necessary for maintaining public order. The situation has reignited debates over the Maldives’ democratic backsliding, with activists calling for judicial oversight and accountability in handling political protests.

ECM schedules 25 October referendum to decide governance of southern islands

The Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) has announced that a referendum will be held on 25 October to determine the administrative governance of Hulhudhoo, Meedhoo, and Feydhoo. The vote will decide whether these southern islands will remain part of their current administrative structure or be reorganised for improved local governance. The ECM will deploy 18 ballot boxes across the region to ensure full voter participation. Officials say the referendum aims to strengthen local autonomy and address calls for greater representation. Political observers note that this decision comes at a time when the government is emphasising decentralisation as a pillar of its development strategy, even as critics argue that it risks politicising regional administration.

Maldives president demands accountability for Gaza, rejects 'principles for profit'

In a striking foreign policy statement, President Mohamed Muizzu demanded international accountability for the crisis in Gaza, condemning what he described as the global community’s failure to act out of “principles for profit.” Speaking at a regional forum, Muizzu asserted that moral consistency should define international relations, not economic or political convenience. The Maldives has long positioned itself as a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights, and the President’s comments reinforce that stance amid renewed global outrage over escalating civilian casualties. His remarks have been widely shared across social media and have drawn praise domestically for affirming the Maldives’ humanitarian diplomacy.

Revised Foreign Investment Act expands opportunities for local businesses

The Maldives’ revised Foreign Investment Act has been lauded by the Economic Minister as a “milestone reform” that expands opportunities for local entrepreneurs and small businesses. The updated legislation simplifies licensing procedures, increases transparency, and introduces safeguards to ensure that foreign partnerships deliver tangible benefits to local communities. The government says the changes aim to create a more competitive investment environment while preserving national interests. Economic analysts note that this move could help diversify the Maldivian economy beyond tourism by attracting foreign capital into technology, fisheries, and renewable energy sectors.

The ruling followed adjustments made by Noboa’s government to the framework for electing assembly members and defining electoral districts. In a statement, the Court said the corrections complied with constitutional standards and stressed that the choice of adopting a new charter “belongs exclusively to the Ecuadorian people ”.

With the green light from the Court, Noboa’s administration can now issue a presidential decree to call the vote. Under Ecuadorian law, the National Electoral Council would then have 15 days to summon the referendum, which must be held within 60 days. The ballot will also include previously approved reforms on political party financing and the presence of foreign military bases in Ecuador.

The move comes amid heightened political tensions. Noboa, recently re-elected with 55.6% of the vote, faces strong opposition from the leftist Revolución Ciudadana movement led by former president Rafael Correa. Correa has rejected the idea of a new constitution and framed the referendum as an opportunity to challenge Noboa’s hold on power.

Earlier, the Court had reminded the president that “no authority may disregard constitutional procedures”, a reference to the requirement that referendum questions must be reviewed by the Court before being put to a vote. Noboa had attempted to bypass this process.

In defiance, the president issued decree 153 on Saturday, repealing the suspended order but again calling for a referendum on a Constituent Assembly. He argued that the Constitution empowers him to call such a vote directly and dismissed the need for “additional requirements”.

The dispute comes as tensions grow between Noboa and the Constitutional Court. Earlier this week, the president accused the judges of “pure political activism” after they struck down several questions he had proposed for another referendum later this year. One question the Court did approve, however, asks voters whether to lift the constitutional ban on foreign military bases — a controversial measure Noboa claims is necessary to combat organised crime.

The proposed constitution extends the presidential term from five to seven years, allows two terms, and crucially removes a ban preventing junta members, including General Mamady Doumbouya, from standing for office.

Additionally, it introduces a new Senate, one-third of whose members the president would appoint.

The vote comes ahead of planned general and presidential elections in December 2025, which the referendum is meant to enable legally.

The stakes

In September 2021, Doumbouya seized power in a coup, which dissolved the constitution with a vow to return the country to civilian rule. He initially promised that no junta member would run in future elections. That promise is now in shambles.

Opposition leaders, including Cellou Dalein Diallo, are either under suspension, in exile, or stripped of political space, and are calling for a boycott of the referendum.

The media landscape is also experiencing the heat with severe restrictions. Private outlets have been shut, websites suspended, and campaign coverage tightly regulated.

The AFP, however, reports that some media restrictions have been eased ahead of the vote.

Critics argue these conditions support a process that looks democratic on paper but is deeply curtailed in practice

What September 21 means

If the draft passes, Doumbouya is almost certain to run in December. A “Yes” vote would mark a legal framework that elevates executive power, leverages a compliant legislature, and further limits opposition.

If the referendum fails or if turnout is very low, legitimacy instantly becomes the issue. The junta would face internal pressure and external scepticism.

Delay or reform of the election schedule might follow. Unrest, protest, or resistance which have been banned in the country since 2022 could grow.