Ecuadorians headed to the polls on Sunday for a referendum that could allow foreign military bases to return to the country and usher in a new constitution aimed at tightening security powers in the fight against crime — measures strongly backed by President Daniel Noboa, a close ally of Washington.

Announcing the start of voting at 7 a.m. (12:00 GMT), National Electoral Council president Diana Atamaint said: “Let today reaffirm that democracy is practiced, respected, and defended through voting.”

According to AFP, polling stations will remain open until 5 p.m. (22:00 GMT).