title: 1978 Ecuadorian constitutional referendum
text: # 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 |||
  