Info
Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The country is divided into 28 electoral districts for the elections to the Chamber of Deputies, and into 15 for the Senate.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Chile (2017)”, art. 47 (1):
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-de-1/
Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Constitucional sobre Votaciones Populares y Escrutinios (2016)”, art. 178 - 180:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-ley-sobre-votaciones-populares-y-escrutinios/
Verified: 2025/03/03
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
d . Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries e . Geographic size of district
Comments: The electoral districts are conformed by ‘communes’ in the election of deputies. Meanwhile, electoral constituencies in the election of senators correspond to the regions.
"Artículo 178.- Para la elección de los miembros de la Cámara de Diputados habrá veintiocho distritos electorales, cada uno de los cuales elegirá el número de diputados que se indica en el artículo siguiente."
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Constitucional sobre Votaciones Populares y Escrutinios (2016)”, art. 178 - 180:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-ley-sobre-votaciones-populares-y-escrutinios/
Verified: 2025/03/03
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
a . Legislature (1st chamber) b . Legislature (2nd chamber)
Comments: Electoral boundaries are foreseen in the law. For the electoral districts to be modified, the law must be amended by the legislative branch. However, no direct responsibility for such activity is established in the law.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Chile (2017)”, art. 47 (1):
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-de-1/
Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Constitucional sobre Votaciones Populares y Escrutinios (2016)”, art. 178 - 180:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-ley-sobre-votaciones-populares-y-escrutinios/
Verified: 2025/03/03
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
a . Head of State is the Head of Government c . Directly elected in general elections (absolute majority with 2nd round if necessary)
Comments: The President of the Republic is both the Head of State and of Government. He/she is elected directly by absolute majority of votes with a second round if necessary.
Constitution: Artículo 26.-
"El Presidente de la República será elegido en votación directa y por mayoría absoluta de los
sufragios válidamente emitidos."
"Si a la elección de Presidente de la República se presentaren más de dos candidatos y ninguno de ellos obtuviere más de la mitad de los sufragios válidamente único emitidos, se procederá a una segunda votación que se circunscribirá a los candidatos que hayan obtenido las dos más altas mayorías relativas y en ella resultará electo aquél de los candidatos que obtenga el mayor sufragios."
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Chile (2017)”, art. 24 & 26:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-de-1/
Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Constitucional sobre Votaciones Populares y Escrutinios (2016)”, art. 109:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-ley-sobre-votaciones-populares-y-escrutinios/
Verified: 2025/03/03
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
b . Directly elected in general elections, absolute majority (with 2nd round if necessary)
Comments: The President of the Republic is both the Head of State and of Government.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Chile (2017)”, art. 24 & 26:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-de-1/
Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Constitucional sobre Votaciones Populares y Escrutinios (2016)”, art. 109:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-ley-sobre-votaciones-populares-y-escrutinios/
Verified: 2025/03/03
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The presidential term is of 4 years, with no right to an immediate reelection.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Chile (2017)”, art. 24 - 32:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-de-1/
Verified: 2025/03/03
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
b . Two chambers
Comments: The National Congress is composed of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Chile (2017)”, art. 46:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-de-1/
Verified: 2025/03/03
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
g . List Proportional Representation
Comments: The Electoral Court will determine the preferences issued in favor of each list, and each of the candidates that comprise it. For that purpose, the D'Hondt coefficient electoral system will be implemented:
a) The votes of each list will be divided by one, two, three, and so on until the number of seats to choose is reached;
b) The resulting numbers from such divisions shall then be put in descending order until the amount of seats for each electoral constituency or senatorial district;
c) Each list will be allocated as many seats as the numbers on the scale described above.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Chile (2017)”, art. 47:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-de-1/
Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Constitucional sobre Votaciones Populares y Escrutinios (2016)”, art. 109 bis:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-ley-sobre-votaciones-populares-y-escrutinios/
Verified: 2025/03/03
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Part of Constitution b . Separate legislation
Comments: The electoral law is part of the Constitution of Chile, however there is an additional law "Constitutional Organic Law on Popular Voting and Scrutiny"
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Chile (2017)”:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-de-1/
Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Constitucional sobre Votaciones Populares y Escrutinios (2016)”:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-ley-sobre-votaciones-populares-y-escrutinios/
Servicio Electoral de Chile (SERVEL); Leyes. Dirección URL:
https://www.servel.cl/leyes/
Verified: 2025/03/04
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections b . Regional elections c . Local elections d . Referendums
Comments: National electoral law in Chile covers parliamentary, municipal, and presidential elections.
Constitution: "Gobierno y Administración Regional", "Gobierno y Administración Provincial", and "Administración Comunal"(Articles 111-122)
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Constitucional sobre Votaciones Populares y Escrutinios (2016)”, art. 1:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-ley-sobre-votaciones-populares-y-escrutinios/
Verified: 2025/03/04
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
a . Voting is voluntary
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Chile (2017)”, art. 15:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-de-1/
Verified: 2025/03/04
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
c . Specially Appointed/Elected Electoral Tribunal
Comments: The Electoral Court and the Regional Electoral Tribunals will resolve the complaints regarding the electoral process. Resolutions of the regional tribunals are appealable before the Electoral Court.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Chile (2017)”, art. 95 & 96:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-de-1/
Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Constitucional sobre Votaciones Populares y Escrutinios (2016)”, art. 96 - 99bis:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-ley-sobre-votaciones-populares-y-escrutinios/
Verified: 2025/03/04
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level b . Regional level c . Local level
Comments: The Electoral Service (SERVEL) will conduct the electoral processes and plebiscites.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Chile (2017)”, art. 18:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-de-1/
Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Constitucional sobre Sistema de Inscripciones Electorales y Servicio Electoral (2016)”, art. 1 & 57: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-ley-sobre-el-sistema-de-inscripciones/
EMB Website: https://www.servel.cl/
Verified: 2025/03/04
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
a . The President c . The legislature
Comments: Funding is allocated by the Budget Law, whose bill must be presented by the President of the Republic before the National Congress.
Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Constitucional sobre Sistema de Inscripciones Electorales y Servicio Electoral (2016)”, art. 57:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-ley-sobre-el-sistema-de-inscripciones/
"El activo de su patrimonio estará integrado por los fondos que anualmente destine al efecto la Ley de Presupuestos, sus ingresos propios y los demás bienes que adquiera a cualquier título. Las remuneraciones de su personal estarán sujetas al régimen general aplicable a los demás servicios de la administración pública."
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Chile (2017)”, art. 67:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-de-1/
Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Constitucional sobre Sistema de Inscripciones Electorales y Servicio Electoral (2016)”, art. 57:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-ley-sobre-el-sistema-de-inscripciones/
Budget Law: “Ley de Presupuestos”:
http://www.dipres.gob.cl/595/w3-multipropertyvalues-15145-23712.html
Verified: 2025/03/04
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
e . Another organ within the national government
Comments: The Comptroller General of the Republic.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Constitucional sobre Sistema de Inscripciones Electorales y Servicio Electoral (2016)”, art. 58: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-ley-sobre-el-sistema-de-inscripciones/
Verified: 2025/03/04
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
b . For a specified number of years
Comments: Eight (8) years.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Constitucional sobre Sistema de Inscripciones Electorales y Servicio Electoral (2016)”, art. 62 y art. transitorio 7:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-ley-sobre-el-sistema-de-inscripciones/
Verified: 2025/03/04
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
b . Independent
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Chile (2017)”, art. 18:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-de-1/
Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Constitucional sobre Sistema de Inscripciones Electorales y Servicio Electoral (2016)”, art. 57 & 62: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-ley-sobre-el-sistema-de-inscripciones/
Law: “Reforma Constitucional que otorga autonomía al Servicio Electoral (Ley No. 20.860)”: https://www.leychile.cl/Navegar?idNorma=1082962
Verified: 2025/03/04
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
a . 1 - 10 members (specify)
Comments: The Directive Council is composed of five members appointed by the President of the Republic and approved by the Senate.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Constitucional sobre Sistema de Inscripciones Electorales y Servicio Electoral (2016)”, art. 62 y art. transitorio 7:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-ley-sobre-el-sistema-de-inscripciones/
Verified: 2025/03/04
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
b . Expertise
Comments: Members of the Directive Council of the Electoral Service, must be Chilean citizens with the right to vote; hold a university degree (in a career of a length of at least eight-semesters); professional experience of no less than five years; and not have been in any directive position at a national or local level for a political party during the last five years prior to the appointment.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Constitucional sobre Sistema de Inscripciones Electorales y Servicio Electoral (2016)”, art. 63:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-ley-sobre-el-sistema-de-inscripciones/
Verified: 2025/03/04
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
a . Head of State b . Head of Government e . Legislature
Comments: The President, in accordance with the Senate, selects the members of the Directive Council of the Electoral Service.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Constitucional sobre Sistema de Inscripciones Electorales y Servicio Electoral (2016)”, art. 62: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-ley-sobre-el-sistema-de-inscripciones/
Verified: 2025/03/04
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
a . National Electoral Management Body b . Regional Electoral Management Bodies d . National Government g . NGOs/ Civic Organizations h . Political parties/ candidates i . Media
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Constitucional sobre Votaciones Populares y Escrutinios (2016)”, art. 175bis:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-ley-sobre-votaciones-populares-y-escrutinios/
IFES: "Programma de educacion civica en Chile":
https://www.ifes.org/tools-resources/election-materials/programa-de-educacion-civica-en-chile
International IDEA: "Youth Voter Participation", page 76-86
https://www.idea.int/sites/default/files/publications/youth-voter-participation.PDF
Verified: 2025/03/21
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
b . Election time only
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Constitucional sobre Votaciones Populares y Escrutinios (2016)”, art. 175bis:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-ley-sobre-votaciones-populares-y-escrutinios/
Verified: 2025/03/21
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
a . No b . Yes, conducted by the National Electoral Management Body
Comments: In order to keep the public informed of the development of any election or plebiscite, the Electoral Service will issue bulletins and display information on its website, regarding the installation of the polling stations and on the results that will be produced, as the tables complete their counting process, which will have the character of preliminary.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Constitucional sobre Votaciones Populares y Escrutinios (2016)”, art. 175bis:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-ley-sobre-votaciones-populares-y-escrutinios/
Verified: 2025/03/21
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments: 18 years old
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Chile (2017)”, art. 13:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-de-1/
"Son ciudadanos los chilenos que hayan cumplido dieciocho años de edad y que no hayan sido condenados a pena aflictiva."
Chilean citizens are those who have reached eighteen years of age and have not been convicted of an afflictive penalty.
Verified: 2025/03/04
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship b . Period of Residence
Comments: Foreigners with five years of residence may also vote.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Chile (2017)”, art. 13 & 14:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-de-1/
Art. 14: Los extranjeros avecindados en Chile por más de cinco años, y que cumplan con los requisitos señalados en el inciso primero del artículo 13, podrán ejercer el derecho de sufragio en los casos y formas que determine la ley"
Foreigners who have resided in Chile for more than five years, and who meet the requirements specified in the first paragraph of Article 13, may exercise the right to vote in the cases and forms determined by law.
Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Constitucional sobre Votaciones Populares y Escrutinios (2016)”, art. 60:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-ley-sobre-votaciones-populares-y-escrutinios/
Verified: 2025/03/04
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
d . Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: The Electoral Service (SERVEL).
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Chile (2017)”, art. 18:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-de-1/
Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Constitucional sobre Sistema de Inscripciones Electorales y Servicio Electoral (2016)”, art. 2 & 60: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-ley-sobre-el-sistema-de-inscripciones/
Verified: 2025/03/04
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Registration in the electoral roll is automatic.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Constitucional sobre Sistema de Inscripciones Electorales y Servicio Electoral (2016)”, art. 5 & 6: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-ley-sobre-el-sistema-de-inscripciones/
Verified: 2025/03/04
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Signature requirement (specify requirement) c . Regional distribution requirement f . Other
Comments: For the registry of political parties, it is necessary to submit the application for registration before the Electoral Service. Prior to this, there are two requirements: 1. a title deed with the name of the party, acronyms, logos, slogans, principles, internal structure, functions, etc.; 2. the affiliation of a number of citizens equivalent to 0.25% of the electoral roll in 8 of the 15 regions in which the country is divided, as long as such percentage exceeds 500 voters.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Constitucional sobre Votaciones Populares y Escrutinios (2016)”, art. 3 & 6:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-ley-sobre-votaciones-populares-y-escrutinios/
Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Constitucional de los Partidos Políticos (2016)”, art. 5-7:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-ley-organica-constitucional-de-los-partidos/
Verified: 2025/03/21
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship d . Residence h . Minimum level of education
Comments: Candidates must be at least 21 years old, have the right to suffrage, have completed mid-level education (or equivalent), and be resident of the region belonging to the electoral district for a period of no less than 2 years prior to the day of the election.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Chile (2017)”, art. 48:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-de-1/
Verified: 2025/03/21
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
e . In both presidential and legislative elections
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Chile (2017)”, art. 18:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-de-1/
Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Constitucional sobre Votaciones Populares y Escrutinios (2016)”, art. 10, 11, 13:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-ley-sobre-votaciones-populares-y-escrutinios/
Verified: 2025/03/21
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Direct c . Indirect
Comments: The State shall grant quarterly economic contributions to political parties in order to finance the expenses resulting from their operation, activities and acquisition of property (at least 10% must be used to promote women’s political participation). Likewise, for electoral advertising certain free broadcasting time must be allocated by television channels.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Constitucional sobre Votaciones Populares y Escrutinios (2016)”, art. 31:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-ley-sobre-votaciones-populares-y-escrutinios/
Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Constitucional de los Partidos Políticos (2016)”, art. 33-36:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-ley-organica-constitucional-de-los-partidos/
Electoral Law: “Ley sobre Transparencia, Límite y Control del Gasto Electoral (2016)”, art. 13-15bis:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-ley-sobre-el-gasto-electoral-2017/
Verified: 2025/03/21
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Based on result of previous election
Comments: Every year, the total contribution to be allocated will consist of the equivalent to 0.04 ‘Unidades de Fomento’ (units of account) multiplied by the number of votes validly cast during the last election. This contribution can never be less than 0.04 ‘Unidades de Fomento’ multiplied by 40% of the total number of people in the electoral roll, nor more than 0.04 ‘Unidades de Fomento’ multiplied by 60% of such people. The result will be divided into four equal parts, to be allocated quarterly in the months of January, April, July and October.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Constitucional de los Partidos Políticos (2016)”, art. 33bis:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-ley-organica-constitucional-de-los-partidos/
Electoral Law: “Ley sobre Transparencia, Límite y Control del Gasto Electoral (2016)”, art. 13-15bis:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-ley-sobre-el-gasto-electoral-2017/
Verified: 2025/03/21
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The maximum contribution in money each non-member natural person can make to political parties per year, cannot exceed of 300 ‘Unidades de Fomento’ (units of account). Each member natural persons' contributions cannot exceed of 500 ‘Unidades de Fomento’ per year. Political parties cannot receive contributions of any kind from legal entities. Additionally, the political parties' income may only be of national origin.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Constitucional de los Partidos Políticos (2016)”, art. 33:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-ley-organica-constitucional-de-los-partidos/
Electoral Law: “Ley sobre Transparencia, Límite y Control del Gasto Electoral (2016)”, art. 8-12:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-ley-sobre-el-gasto-electoral-2017/
Verified: 2025/03/21
Vote Counting
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
a . The polling stations
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Constitucional sobre Votaciones Populares y Escrutinios (2016)”, art. 69:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-ley-sobre-votaciones-populares-y-escrutinios/
Verified: 2025/03/21
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
d . By request e . Court order
Comments: Requests for rectification of ballots shall be submitted before the corresponding Regional Electoral Court six days after the voting day.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Constitucional sobre Votaciones Populares y Escrutinios (2016)”, art. 96 & 97:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-ley-sobre-votaciones-populares-y-escrutinios/
Verified: 2025/03/21
Media and Elections
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
a . Equal regardless of size of party and previous performance c . Based on result of previous election
Comments: In the case of the President’s election, broadcasting time is allocated on equal terms. When presidential, deputy, and senatorial elections are being held at the same time, media will be distributed evenly. On the other hand, for elections of deputies or senators the broadcasting time will be allocated according to the result of previous election.
Art 31: "Los canales de televisión de libre recepción deberán destinar gratuitamente treinta minutos
diarios de sus transmisiones a propaganda electoral en los casos de elección de Presidente de la República,
de diputados y senadores, únicamente de diputados o de plebiscitos nacionales. Cuando correspondan elecciones conjuntas de Presidente de la República y de diputados y senadores, los canales de televisión de libre recepción destinarán, también gratuitamente, cuarenta minutos diarios a propaganda electoral, los que se distribuirán en veinte minutos para la elección de Presidente de la República y veinte minutos para la elección de diputados y senadores." - Free-to-air television channels must devote thirty minutes a day of their broadcasts free of charge to electoral propaganda in the event of the election of the President of the Republic, of deputies and senators, only of deputies or of national plebiscites.When joint elections of the President of the Republic and of deputies and senators are held, the television channels of free reception shall devote forty minutes a day to electoral propaganda, also free of charge, which shall be distributed in twenty minutes for the election of the President of the Republic and twenty minutes for the election of deputies and senators.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Constitucional sobre Votaciones Populares y Escrutinios (2016)”, art. 30 & 31:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-ley-sobre-votaciones-populares-y-escrutinios/
Verified: 2025/03/25
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
a . Yes, in presidential elections
Comments: Television debates are not foreseen in the electoral law.
Source: Ruíz, Fernando y Hernán Alberro, “Ola de debates electorales en América Latina: Luces y sombras de un avance democrático”, 2013, p. 6: http://www.kas.de/upload/auslandshomepages/medioslatinos/debates_electorales.pdf
Verified: 2025/03/25
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
f . 10 or more days
Comments: Results of the opinion polls may not be published within 15 days prior to the Election Day.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Constitucional sobre Votaciones Populares y Escrutinios (2016)”, art. 32ter:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-ley-sobre-votaciones-populares-y-escrutinios/
Verified: 2025/03/25
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Constitucional sobre Votaciones Populares y Escrutinios (2016)”, art. 30 - 38:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-ley-sobre-votaciones-populares-y-escrutinios/
Electoral Law: “Ley sobre Transparencia, Límite y Control del Gasto Electoral (2016)”, art. 4 - 6:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-ley-sobre-el-gasto-electoral-2017/
Verified: 2025/03/25
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The only direct democracy mechanism established by law is called 'plebiscite'.
Art 128: "El Tribunal Calificador comunicará al Presidente de la República el resultado del plebiscito, y especificará el texto del proyecto aprobado por la ciudadanía, el que deberá ser promulgado como reforma constitucional dentro de los cinco días siguientes a dicha comunicación. Una vez promulgado el proyecto y desde la fecha de su vigencia, sus disposiciones formarán parte de la Constitución y se tendrán por incorporadas a ésta." - The Qualifying Tribunal shall communicate to the President of the Republic the result of the plebiscite and shall specify the text of the bill approved by the citizens, which shall be promulgated as a constitutional reform within five days following such communication. Once the bill has been promulgated and from the date of its entry into force, its provisions shall form part of the Constitution and shall be deemed to be incorporated into it.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Chile (2017)”, art. 128 & 129:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-de-1/
Verified: 2025/03/27
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Chile (2017)”, art. 128 & 129:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-de-1/
Verified: 2025/03/27
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The only direct democracy mechanism established by law is called 'plebiscite'.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Chile (2017)”, art. 128 & 129:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-de-1/
Verified: 2025/03/27
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Chile (2017)”, art. 128 & 129:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-de-1/
Verified: 2025/03/27
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Chile (2017)”, art. 128 & 129:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-de-1/
Verified: 2025/03/27
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Chile (2017)”, art. 128 & 129:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-de-1/
Verified: 2025/03/27
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
a . Always binding
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Chile (2017)”, art. 128 & 129:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-de-1/
Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Constitucional sobre Votaciones Populares y Escrutinios (2016)”, art. 172:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-ley-sobre-votaciones-populares-y-escrutinios/
Verified: 2025/03/27
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
a . Constitutional changes only
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Chile (2017)”, art. 128 & 129:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-de-1/
Verified: 2025/03/27
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Article 118.- The municipalities may associate among themselves in accordance with the respective constitutional organic law, and such associations may enjoy legal personality under private law. Likewise, they may constitute or integrate non-profit corporations or foundations of private law whose purpose is the promotion and dissemination of art, culture and sports, or the promotion of community and productive development works. Municipal participation in them shall be governed by the aforementioned constitutional organic law. The municipalities may establish within the scope of the communes or group of communes, in accordance with the respective constitutional organic law, territories called neighborhood units, in order to promote a balanced development and an adequate channeling of citizen participation. The public services shall coordinate with the municipality when carrying out their work in the respective communal territory, in accordance with the law. The law shall determine the form and manner in which the ministries, public services and regional governments may transfer competencies to the municipalities, as well as the provisional or definitive nature of the transfer.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Chile (2017)”, art. 118:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-de-1/
Verified: 2025/04/01
Voting Operations
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
a . At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections
Comments: Art. 60 - "El elector que concurra a votar deberá hacerlo para todas las elecciones o plebiscitos que se realicen en el
mismo acto electoral." - The voter who goes to vote must do so for all elections or plebiscites that are held in the same electoral act.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Constitucional sobre Votaciones Populares y Escrutinios (2016)”, art. 60 - 62:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-ley-sobre-votaciones-populares-y-escrutinios/
Verified: 2025/04/01
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
b . Citizens residing outside the country
Comments: The law foresees the participation of Chileans living overseas in presidential primaries, national plebiscites and presidential elections.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley que regula el derecho a sufragio en el extranjero”:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-ley-no.-20.960-sufragio-en-el-extranjero/
Electoral Law: Biblioteca del Congreso Nacional de Chile; “Voto de chilenos en el extranjero (2016)”: http://www.bcn.cl/leyfacil/recurso/voto-de-chilenos-en-el-extranjero
Verified: 2025/04/01
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
b . Consulates f . Other
Comments: Chileans who wish to vote from other countries, must register at their corresponding Consulate —or even before the National Office of Overseas Affairs and International Police of the Investigations’ Police of Chile upon entering or leaving the country.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley que regula el derecho a sufragio en el extranjero”:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-ley-no.-20.960-sufragio-en-el-extranjero/
Electoral Law: Biblioteca del Congreso Nacional de Chile; “Voto de chilenos en el extranjero (2016)”: http://www.bcn.cl/leyfacil/recurso/voto-de-chilenos-en-el-extranjero
Verified: 2025/04/01
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots
Comments: The voter only may mark his/her preference on the ballot, with the black graphite pencil provided, by tracing a vertical line that crosses the horizontal line printed on the left side of the candidate's number or on the option of his/her preference in the case of a plebiscite. Then, the voter will proceed to fold the ballot according to the indications of its creases and must deposit it into the ballot box.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Constitucional sobre Votaciones Populares y Escrutinios (2016)”, art. 65:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-ley-sobre-votaciones-populares-y-escrutinios/
Verified: 2025/04/01
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