Amid concerns around the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Chilean lawmakers have moved to postpone a widely anticipated referendum for a new constitution. The vote to rewrite Chile’s Pinochet-era constitution was scheduled to take place on April 26, 2020. Yet it is expected that this time frame could be at the peak of the outbreak in the country. As of March 20, 2020, Chile has 324 confirmed cases of COVID-19. This is currently the highest number per capita in all of South America. The referendum has provisionally been postponed to October 26, 2020, however, this move still requires approval by two-thirds of Chile’s congress.
The demand for a constitutional referendum emerged amid protests over inequality in Chile. Mass demonstrations in the country, once filling the streets, are now gradually dissipating due to fears of COVID-19. On March 19, Chilean President Sebastián Piñera announced a 90-day “state of catastrophe” to confront the growing outbreak in Chile. The decision permits the military to restrict freedom of movement, assure basic services, and uphold order when necessary. It is very likely that Chileans will return to the streets and protests will continue, possibly in greater force, once the threat of COVID-19 has decreased.
Click here to read our Insight on the associated risks of Political Unrest in 2020.
