Ecuador President Daniel Noboa revives constitutional debate and chemical castration referendum

President Daniel Noboa has renewed the push to amend Ecuador’s constitution, seeking a popular referendum on the use of chemical castration for adult sexual offenders of minors. The proposal follows a 2025 Constitutional Court ruling that rejected his earlier attempt to embed the measure in the constitution. Noboa said the referendum would be held separately from the regional elections scheduled for November 2026.

The Constitutional Court also approved a change that would transfer the authority to appoint members of the Council of Participation, Citizenship and Social Control (CPCCS) to the National Assembly, clearing the way for the proposed referendum and a broader popular consultation. Legal scholar José Chalco warned that the current constitution is designed to favor incumbent power, describing it as “coqueta” and urging a serious debate on whether it promotes democratic flourishing or authoritarianism.