QUITO, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- The EU observer mission chief Jose Ribiero said on Sunday that the constitutional referendum in Ecuador is important for the country's economic and political future.

    Ribiero said that "Constitution is a founding frame (of a country) and it must be a nucleus of a country's political, social, economic process. "

    On the Ecuadorian political process, Ribiero said "we must know it by itself, its virtues or its weakness, and should not mix it with what happens in other countries."

    He went on to say that Ecuador is a country that "seeks political stability and a democratic institution, which are indispensable conditions for the economic development and social progress of the country."

    Thousands of Ecuadorians on Sunday cast votes for the new constitution promoted by Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa.

    According to Correa, the constitution will enable the country to enjoy political stability, eradicate neo-liberalism and set the base for socialism in the country.

    Ribiero headed a team of some 30 observers. Exit polls showed Correa had won the referendum.