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Quito - Ecuador is set to vote in a presidential contest Sunday, with incumbent Rafael Correa heavily favoured for re- election. Correa, 46, looked poised to secure victory in the first round without a runoff. The election is already historic in Ecuador as the first in which an incumbent president has sought re-election.

Quito - Ecuador President Rafael Correa confirmed that he will make an official visit to Iran this week, to strengthen ties between the two oil-producing nations and to bolster bilateral trade and cooperation.

Correa vowed to work for "the maximum benefit of our people, and what is signed will be fulfilled," noting that he will lead a group of local businessman seeking opportunities in the Iranian market.

Quito  - Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa celebrated Monday the approval of a draft for a new constitution that he had advocated.

The leftist Correa commented to foreign media in Ecuador just hours after a referendum on the proposed new constitution on Sunday passed with 64 per cent of votes in favour, according to official results after roughly 80 per cent of the ballots had been counted.