1978 Ecuadorian constitutional referendum|
|
|
|
Choice 
 | 
Votes
 | 
%
 |  
| New constitution
 | 
807,574
 | 
58.09%
 |  
| Revised constitution
 | 
582,556
 | 
41.91%
 |  
| Valid votes
 | 
1,390,130
 | 
76.73%
 |  
| Invalid or blank votes
 | 
421,510
 | 
23.27%
 |  
| Total votes
 | 
1,811,640
 | 
100.00%
 |  
| Registered voters/turnout
 | 
2,088,874
 | 
86.73%
 |    | 
A constitutional referendum was held in Ecuador on 15 January 1978.[1] Voters were asked whether they wanted a new constitution or a revised version of the existing constitution. The former option was approved by 57% of voters, although around invalid votes accounted for a quarter of those cast, with many cast in protest at not having the option of returning to the 1945 constitution.[1]
Background
Following a military coup in 1972, in 1976 the military government formed three commissions to assist with the transition back to civil rule. One group was to draft a new constitution, one was to revise the 1945 constitution, and one to create laws on political parties, local elections and the referendum.[1]
Results
| Choice
 | 
Votes
 | 
%
 | 
| New constitution | 
778,611 | 
57.20
 | 
| Revised constitution | 
582,556 | 
42,80
 | 
| Invalid/blank votes | 
450,473 | 
–
 | 
| Total | 
1,811,640 | 
100
 | 
| Registered voters/turnout | 
2,088,874 | 
86.73
 | 
| Source: Direct Democracy
 | 
References