ABSTRACT
Thus ended the Spanish version of Political Power in Ecuador. Now, in view of the fact that a translation of this work is being prepared for publication in the United States, it is highly appropriate that I add to the text a brief analysis of the major events transpiring during the period since the publication of the first Spanish edition (1977-79), perhaps one of the most interesting and transcendent epochs in the entire political history of Ecuador. The difficulties to be overcome in carrying out this task are not inconsiderable, given the problems of objectivity and time limitations. In effect, I have been a principal protagonist of many of the political events I propose to treat here, participating actively either as president of the Christian Democratic Party; president of the Third Commission created by the military government to elaborate laws governing the constitutional referendum, national elections, and political parties; candidate to the vice-presidency of the country; and, following the successful electoral contest of April 29, 1979, as vice-president elect. Furthermore, three weeks shy of assuming office, I find that I lack sufficient time to engage in a profound study of the period in question, as would have been my desire, in view of which the only alternative open to me is to limit my analysis strictly to the political realm, excluding altogether considerations of recent developments in the economic and social spheres. Reviewers of the Spanish version of my work were consistent in their appraisal of the study's objectivity. It is my sincere hope that this judgment remains valid in light of the statements made and views expressed in this epilogue.
