Buenos Aires/Quito - Ecuador's new constitution, approved in a referendum on Sunday, dwarfs its international counterparts by its 444 articles and ambitious goals.

Social justice, cultural diversity, equal rights, environmentalism, strengthening the president's role and more citizen participation, are all enshrined in the new constitution.

As are the protection of national sovereignty, free health care and education, transparent and efficient government and even the right to "Sumak Kawsay," which in the indiginous Quechua language means the "good life," are listed.

The long dark night of neoliberalism was over at least, President Rafael Correa said, celebrating the results, which indicated that about 65 per cent of Ecuador's 14 million people backed the new constitution.

"This change belongs to everyone," Correa said.

He called on Ecuadorians to unite behind "the citizens' revolution," and stressed that the result is "a thrashing for those who thought they owned the country."

However, it remains to be seen how many of those ambitious goals the popular 45-year-old economist can implement in the long march towards his "socialism of the 21st century."

One thing was shown in the impressive majority backing the constitution, which, among other things, reduces private property rights: The power traditionally wielded by the business elites of European descent is waning.

Like in Bolivia or Venezuela, Correa managed to win over the disgruntled majority for his "citizen's revolution." Ecuador would follow the footsteps of the other two countries, who have sought more social justice through a larger state, greater control of the economy and an increase in handouts for the poor.

Much, however, depends on whether the constitution's principles can be translated into daily life and significantly improve people's lives.

Like Bolivia's President Evo Morales, and even Venezuela's populist leader Hugo Chavez, Correa wanted a new constitution to take control of the economy and increase spending on health and education.

And like his neighbours, Correa needs a minimum of cooperation from the old elites to achieve his goals. Immediately after the referendum, he showed readiness to talk to them.

Critics were quick to warn that a new constitution alone does not change existing circumstances. "We accord a big, almost magical importance to constitutions," political scientist Jaime Aparicio said in a TV interview.

Expectations in the new constitution were even more surprising, as rules and laws, particularly in South America, are followed only by those who gain a momentary advantage from them, added Aparicio.

If push came to shove, the laws play a minor role and improvisation abounds, added the political scientist.

For example, since 1996 no Ecuadorian president has been able to finish his regular term in office.

The referendum victory was the third nationwide electoral victory for Correa since he was swept into office by popular vote in November 2006. His next test will be in February when the presidential elections will be held.

And, if necessary, changes can be made quite easily. After all, it is the country's 20th constitution since the republic's foundation in 1830. The previous constitution was in force since 1996, and survived only 12 years. (dpa)