Chile: Anti-government demonstrators gather in Santiago October 9 /update 4

Event

Anti-government demonstrators gathered at Santiago's Plaza Baquedano on Friday, October 9, ahead of a constitutional referendum scheduled for October 25. Some 500 protesters gathered in the area and police began to disperse the crowd following reports that some demonstrators were committing criminal damage. Demonstrators also began to clash with police on the intersection of Irene Morales and Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins when a group of people attacked a bus, prompting police to fire water cannons.

Further associated demonstrations are possible in Santiago in the near term. A heightened security presence and localized disruptions are possible in the vicinity of all demonstrations.

Context

The Chilean national plebiscite which is scheduled for October 25 will address whether a new constitution will be drafted to replace the Pinochet-era constitution in the wake of anti-government protests in 2019. Moreover, it will be decided whether it will be determined by a directly elected constitutional convention or a mixed convention of members of parliament and elected citizens. This new constitution would then be put to another referendum in 2022.

Advice

Those in Santiago are advised to monitor developments, avoid all demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.