1978 Ecuadorian constitutional referendum
# 1978 Ecuadorian constitutional referendum

A constitutional referendum was held in Ecuador on 15 January 1978. 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.

## 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.

## 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 |||
