Ecuador's president seeks to hold referendum on security measures

Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa attends a ceremony to appoint the high military command, in the government palace, in Quito, Ecuador, November 30, 2023. REUTERS/Cristina Vega

GUAYAQUIL, Colombia (Reuters) - Ecuadoran President Daniel Noboa said on Wednesday he seeking to hold a referendum on imposing tighter security measures in the South American country, where violence and crime have spiraled in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Noboa, a former legislator and the son of a prominent businessman, took office in November on pledges to reduce violence and create jobs via urgent legislative reforms.