Ecuador's Correa claims poll win

They say it was backed by at least two-thirds of voters. Left-wing President Rafael Correa hailed an "historic win".

He has said the new constitution will help bring about a more just society and tackle instability in Ecuador.

It will enable him to run for two new, consecutive terms. But critics say it gives the president too much power.

The constitution allows him to dissolve Congress within the first three years of its four-year term.

The 444-article constitution will be the Andean nation's 20th.

The package contains some of the most wide-ranging proposals the country - or any country in the region - has ever seen, says the BBC's Daniel Schweimler.

Investors worried

Exit polls released by two different firms soon after voting stopped indicated that from 66-70% supported the new constitution.

"We're making history! Onward!" President Correa urged a crowd of supporters in his coastal hometown of Guayaquil.

"This is confirmation of the citizen's revolution we're offering."

Mr Correa, a 45-year-old US-trained economist, has said he is fulfilling the promises he made when he won elections nearly two years ago.

He was elected following years of turmoil in Ecuador which saw angry crowds throw three presidents from office in the previous 10 years.