Chileans called to ballot for referendum on constitutional change

Activists embrace next to a banner stating “I vote for Chile and my family” at a rally ahead of the referendum in Vina del Mar on October 22, 2020. REUTERS / Rodrigo Garrido

Text by: RFI Follow

2 min

In Chile, more than 14 million voters are called to the polls this Sunday, October 25 for a historic poll.

They will have to say whether they "approve" or "reject" the idea of ​​drafting a new constitution.

A vote obtained under pressure from the street, during the historic social movement of October 2019 against social inequalities.

The country still lives under the Constitution inherited from the dictatorship of General Pinochet.

Publicity

Read more

With our correspondent in Santiago,

Justine Fontaine

According to polls, the "yes" to a new Constitution would win with more than 60% of the vote.

The poll was originally scheduled for April, but was postponed once due to the pandemic.

And in this context, the number of polling stations was increased to limit the queues and the agglomerations this Sunday, October 25.

Turnout is expected to increase from previous elections which were shunned by many Chileans.

However, the

coronavirus

could also encourage certain at-risk voters to stay at home for fear of contagion.

Supporters of a new Constitution fear that acts of delinquency, including the burning of two churches last Sunday on the sidelines of a demonstration, worry undecided voters.

To read also: Chile: in Santiago, the Chileans started by bike to bring their demands

If the “yes” is won, large gatherings should take place in the center of the country's major cities to celebrate the result.

A constituent assembly would then be elected in April, and could move Chile away from the neoliberal model inherited from the dictatorship.

Many Chileans want better public services and a greater participation of the State in the economy to guarantee their social rights such as pensions,

health

and education.

Also to listen: In Chile, the hope of ending the Constitution of the dictatorship

Newsletter

Receive all the international news directly in your mailbox

I subscribe

Follow all the international news by downloading the RFI application

google-play-badge_FR

  • Chile

On the same subject

Great report

In Chile, the hope of ending the constitution of the dictatorship

Chile commemorates a year of protest ahead of constitutional referendum

Chile: Mapuche demonstrate for their land and a new constitution