Chilean constitutional referendum, 1989

Original ballot

A constitutional referendum was held in Chile on 30 June 1989.^[1] The proposed changes to the constitution were approved by 91% of voters.^[2]

Background

If approved, 54 constitutional reforms were to be implemented, among which the reform of the way that the Constitution itself could be reformed, the restriction of state of emergency dispositions, the affirmation of political pluralism, the strengthening of constitutional rights as well as of the democratic principle and participation to the political life.

Results

Choice	Votes	%
For	6,069,440	91.25
Against	581,615	8.74
Invalid/blank votes	431,024	–
Total	7,082,079	100
Registered voters/turnout	7,556,613	93.73
Source: Chilean Electoral Service.

Aftermath

Following the approval of the constitutional amendments, general elections were held in December.^[1] Patricio Aylwin was elected President with 55% of the vote,^[3] whilst the Concert of Parties for Democracy won a majority of elected seats in both chambers of the National Congress.

Pinochet left office on 11 March 1990, transferring power to the new democratically elected president.

References

1. Nohlen, D (2005) Elections in the Americas: A data handbook, Volume II, p262 ISBN 978-0-19-928358-3
2. Nohlen, p268
3. Nohlen, p288