2008 Ecuadorian constitutional referendum

A constitutional referendum was held in Ecuador on 28 September 2008 to ratify or reject the constitution drafted by the Ecuadorian Constituent Assembly elected in 2007.[1] The new constitution was approved by 69% of voters.

2008 Ecuadorian constitutional referendum
28 September 2008
Do you approve the text of the new Political Constitution of the Republic prepared by the Constituent Assembly?
Poster aimed at the Ecuadorian diaspora in London
Results
Choice
Votes %
Yes 4,722,073 68.91%
No 2,075,764 30.29%
Blank votes 55,071 0.80%
Valid votes 6,852,908 92.77%
Invalid votes 533,684 7.23%
Total votes 7,386,592 100.00%
Registered voters/turnout 9,754,883 75.72%
Poster aimed at the Ecuadorian diaspora in London

Following its approval, early elections were held in April 2009.[2]

Background

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President Rafael Correa had initially stated he would resign if the constitution were rejected, but later stated he would finish his term.

A Cedatos/Gallup poll from May 2008 saw 41% in favour of the constitution draft, 31% against, and 28% not sure.[3] Another Cedatos/Gallup poll from June 2008 showed 37% support.[4]

Provisions include the right to healthcare, food, social security, and education as well as an emphasis on Latin American integration. The more controversial proposals include allowing a second four-year term for the president and legalising civil unions.[5]

Conduct

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The EU sent an election observation team.[6]

Results

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ChoiceVotes%
For4,722,07369.46
Against2,075,76430.54
Total6,797,837100.00
Valid votes6,797,83792.03
Invalid/blank votes588,7557.97
Total votes7,386,592100.00
Registered voters/turnout9,754,88375.72
Source: Direct Democracy

References

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  1. ^ Ecuador Assembly Approves Constitution Archived 2008-06-05 at the Wayback Machine Prensa Latina
  2. ^ Assembly Defines Ecuador Transition Prensa Latina
  3. ^ "Ecuadorians Assess Vote on New Constitution". Angus Reid Public Opinion. 2008-06-01. Archived from the original on 2012-07-19.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  4. ^ Andres Pretel, Enrique; Soto, Alonso (2008-06-20). "New constitution set to bolster Ecuador's Correa". Reuters. Archived from the original on 2023-05-18. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
  5. ^ Ecuador's poor bank on referendum BBC News, 27 September 2008
  6. ^ European Union sends Election Observation Mission to Ecuador Europa, 15 September 2008