2009 Easter Island immigration referendum

2009 Easter Island immigration referendum

24 October 2009
Results
Choice
Votes %
Yes 678 96.31%
No 26 3.69%
Valid votes 704 99.72%
Invalid or blank votes 2 0.28%
Total votes 706 100.00%
Registered voters/turnout 1,300 54.31%

A referendum on restricting immigration was held in Easter Island on 24 October 2009.[1] It followed protests in August 2009 when protestors blocked the runway at Mataveri International Airport in protest at immigration from Chile.[2] The proposal was approved by over 90% of voters.[3] As a result of the vote, the Chilean government introduced a Special Visitor's Card for visitors to the island. However, in October 2009, the Supreme Court ruled that the card violated the constitutional right to free movement.[4] In August 2018, a law took effect prohibiting non-residents from staying on the island for more than 30 days.[5]

Results

Choice Votes %
For67896.31
Against263.69
Invalid/blank votes2–
Total706100
Registered voters/turnout1,30054.31
Source: Direct Democracy

References

  1. ↑ Osterinsel (Rapa Nui, Isla de Pascua), Chile, 24. Oktober 2009 : Beschränkung der Zuwanderung Direct Democracy
  2. ↑ Easter Island: even more difficult to get to? PRI, 6 November 2009
  3. ↑ Easter Island to curb immigrants BBC News, 25 October 2009
  4. ↑ Easter Island residents fear ruin over tourist ruling 11 October 2009
  5. ↑ "Law 21,070" (in Spanish). Chile Library of Congress. Archived from the original on 11 May 2018. Retrieved 11 May 2018.