Chile: The electoral calendar gets Covid

CHILE - In Brief 29 Mar 2021 by Robert Funk

---

Although Chile is one of the world’s top countries in terms of vaccination, with almost 40% of the population having received at least one dose, the country is in the midst of a second wave of Covid-19 infections. This has led to increasing pressure to reconsider holding the mega-election (for mayors, councilmembers, governors, and most importantly, constitutional assembly members), scheduled for 11 April. On Sunday night President Sebastián Piñera took to the airwaves to confirm the rescheduled election. He said he will send a bill to Congress proposing a delay of some six weeks. The change requires a constitutional amendment, and therefore a two-thirds majority in Congress. The proposal is to hold the elections over two days, on 15 and 16 of May. The second round for governors, a new position in Chilean politics, would be held on 4 July, which is a date that had already been set for presidential primaries.This introduces even more uncertainty into Chilean politics. It is expected that Congress will approve the change – a recent Cadem poll shows that over two-thirds of Chileans support a postponement and health authorities have also recommended it – but opposition parties will attempt to get something in return. This could include greater government spending on financial support for families to closing the airport. Meanwhile, the deteriorating pandemic and tougher lockdown measures – Santiago went into what is supposed to be full lockdown late last week – will impact on economic activity. Piñera keeps hoping that the quick vaccination program will work its magic, allowing for both the elections in mid-May and a quick re-opening of the economy. Comparable cases elsewhe...