Early general elections were held in Ecuador on 26 April 2009 following the approval of a new constitution in a referendum held on 28 September 2008.[1]PresidentRafael Correa ran for his first term under the new constitution. The election was initially expected to be held in October 2010.[2][3]
Preliminary results suggested that Correa had won reelection in the first round easily,[4] surpassing 50% of the vote, followed by Gutiérrez coming in second with about 28% of the vote. Correa's came short of having an absolute majority in parliament.
In addition Correa became the first sitting president to be reelected since García Moreno since 1875.[5]
The full results of the seat distribution was still known, though it was assumed that PAIS would have 59 seats, PSP 19, PSC/MG 11, PRIAN 7, MPD 5, the Municipalist Movement 5, and others less than 5 seats.