Chile extends April elections to two days due to rise in COVID-19 cases

​Chilean President Sebastian Pinera on Sunday announced that the April elections would be extended from one day to two, amid a rise in COVID-19 infections.

Xinhua March 15, 2021

Chilean President Sebastian Pinera on Sunday announced that the April elections would be extended from one day to two, amid a rise in COVID-19 infections.

Pinera stated the decision was made to allow "not only all citizens to vote, but also to ensure greater physical distancing, avoid crowds and protect the health of all citizens."

"I am sure that with the support and collaboration of all, as we have had an exemplary vaccination process, recognized and appreciated throughout the world, on Saturday, April 10, and Sunday, April 11, we will also have an exemplary election that honors our democratic tradition," he said.

In four more weeks, Chilean citizens will choose from among more than 15,400 candidates who will stand for local, provincial, and national positions.

In these elections, 155 people will be chosen to draft a new constitution as part of the solution to the social crisis that erupted in October 2019.

Chile has accumulated 891,110 positive cases of COVID-19 and 21,674 deaths from the disease so far.

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