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]
2009 Easter Island immigration referendum|
|
|
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%
| |
Choice
|
Votes
|
%
|
For |
678 |
96.31
|
Against |
26 |
3.69
|
Invalid/blank votes |
2 |
–
|
Total |
706 |
100
|
Registered voters/turnout |
1,300 |
54.31
|
Source: Direct Democracy
|