An analysis of the numbers on the war on crime, Noboa’s reputation at home and abroad and a look at Ecuador’s economy.
Ecuador’s president gained a resounding endorsement for “mano dura” policies against organized crime in Sunday’s referendum. A delicate democratic balance is at stake.
Diana Salazar’s investigations have taken down major figures. But a wave of drug-related violence is changing what defending the rule of law looks like.
Amid a surge in organized crime, President Daniel Noboa seeks to strengthen the armed forces and drug penalties in an April 21 vote.
The raid on the Mexican embassy in Quito to seize a convicted former vice president hurts the president’s international prospects, but might help him domestically.
"[President Noboa's] image has taken a huge and well-deserved hit," says AS/COA's Eric Farnsworth to The Wall Street Journal.
President Noboa has deployed more than 30,000 soldiers and policemen to contain the chaos. While homicides have fallen, kidnappings and extortion remain high.
