Yes vote restrains ex-Ecuadorian president Correa from running for 3rd term

QUITO, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- With 98 percent of votes counted, Ecuador's National Electoral Council (CNE) confirmed on Monday that the "yes" camp had won Sunday's referendum, with two-term limits preventing former president Rafael Correa from running again.

Over 13 million Ecuadorians were asked to vote on seven reform-minded questions, five constitutional amendments. and two points of national interest. On Sunday, three hours after voting closed, the CNE announced that "yes" had won by a powerful margin.

As president from 2007 to 2017, Correa was a popular but controversial figure, bringing economic and political stability but criticized for the aggressive style of governing.

His successor, former Vice President Lenin Moreno, is perceived as favoring dialogue with opponents, which has put the two leaders at odds.

The results of the referendum mean that the constitution will be amended in several ways. People convicted of corruption can't participate in political life and two-term limits will be imposed on public office holders.

Moreno said the National Assembly will begin work on the constitutional amendments in the next 30 days. Enditem