International
Chilean television advertising slots close ahead of the plebiscite
December 15 |
On Thursday ended in Chile the period conceived to display electoral propaganda regarding the constitutional proposal that will be submitted to plebiscite next Sunday, December 17, when Chileans will decide the future of the text drafted by the Constitutional Council.
On December 17, voters will receive a ballot with the following question: Are you for or against the text of the New Constitution? Two options will then appear, in favor of the proposal or against it, for voters to choose the one they prefer.
If the constitutional project is not accepted, the Law of Laws that came into force in 1980, conceived under the military dictatorship of General Augusto Pinochet (1973-1990), will remain in force.
In October 2022, a plebiscite was held on the proposed Magna Carta prepared by the Constitutional Convention, at which time the “Rejection” option won.
The process is organized by the Electoral Service of Chile (Servel). According to a pre-electoral report made public by the entity, the electoral roll is made up of 15,262,012 people at national level and 127,546 residents abroad.
The agency also detailed that 676,028 foreigners residing in Chile (with at least five years of residence, 18 years of age and without crimes) registered to participate.
On Saturday, December 16, the polling stations will be constituted and their spokespersons will be trained. The following day, the polling stations will open from 08H00 to 18H00 local time. These may be constituted with at least three members and, if they are to remain open beyond 18H00, they will do so until there are no voters left in line who wish to vote.
Voters only need their identity card to vote. This document must be valid, although ID cards that have expired after January 1, 2020 will be accepted. Voters with any type of disability will be able to access the assisted voting option.
According to the current law, voting is mandatory for those who are registered in the electoral roll and reside in Chile. For those who vote from abroad, it is voluntary.
Chileans who are more than 200 km away from their electoral domicile, are absent from the country or suffer from an illness are excluded from the obligation to vote. Those who are far from their electoral district must -among other requirements- go to the nearest Carabineros Police Station, obtain a certificate and then submit it to a judge when summoned.
Any other impediment for not voting can also be certified, but the seriousness of this cause will be certified by a judge according to the evidence presented by the citizen.
Those who do not vote may be fined from 0.5 to 3 monthly tax units (UTM), that is, from 32,108 pesos to 192,648 pesos (US$36-215).
Chile applies a dry law period. This will start on December 17 at 05H00 and will last until 20H00 local time (two hours after the electoral closing time).
In addition, those commercial establishments that are not attended by their owners will be closed, since election days are declared holidays for workers in this sector. Those who work providing essential services and do not have time off, will receive a two-hour leave to vote.
International
20th Festival Salvadoreñísimo brings together thousands of salvadorans in Houston
Parades, baton twirlers, and a mix of Salvadoran and international music set the tone for the 20th edition of the Festival Salvadoreñísimo, held in Houston, Texas, with Tony Villatoro once again leading the organization.
This year, the highly anticipated event moved to a new venue: The Crown Festival Park in Sugar Land, Fort Bend County, within the “space city.” Despite the scorching sun of the open-air setting, spirits remained high, and a brief drizzle later brought relief and renewed energy to the celebration.
More than 5,000 Salvadorans gathered at the park, joining with Guatemalans, Hondurans, and even Mexicans to commemorate 204 years of independence for El Salvador and Central America. The festival was marked by a family-friendly atmosphere, where traditional foods such as pupusas, panes con gallina, pastelitos, and horchata could not be missed.
“Twenty years with this festival, and I am very grateful to the Salvadoran community that always shows up. Thanks to them, the sponsors, and to Diario El Salvador for supporting us since the beginning,” said Tony Villatoro, as more compatriots continued arriving to the celebration.
“I am satisfied. I didn’t expect this level of attendance, especially since we were trying a new outdoor venue with some challenges, but we made it through successfully,” Villatoro added.
The Festival Salvadoreñísimo, now a two-decade-long tradition, once again took place as part of Hispanic Heritage Month, a time when independence festivities run from mid-September through October.
International
El Salvador unveils 2025-2029 National Reintegration Plan for returned migrants
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched the National Reintegration Plan for Returned Salvadorans 2025-2029, a strategy designed to create greater opportunities, ensure access to quality services, and provide a favorable environment for Salvadorans returning to their home country to rebuild their lives.
The initiative is supported by the United Nations Network on Migration, coordinated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), financed by the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), and backed by the Inter-American Development Bank’s (IDB) Migration Unit.
During the presentation, Vice Minister of Diaspora and Human Mobility Cindy Mariella Portal emphasized that migrants often face multiple challenges upon returning to their communities.
“That is why we are implementing actions that generate real and sustainable opportunities for these individuals,” she stated.
International
Authorities capture CJNG financial chief in international airport operation
A man identified as the main financial operator of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) was arrested Thursday at Mexico City’s international airport, authorities reported.
The individual, named by Mexican media as Óscar Antonio Álvarez, was apprehended during an operation involving the army, navy, National Guard, police, and the attorney general’s office, according to a joint statement.
Álvarez is considered the primary financial operator of a criminal group originating in Jalisco, and the capture took place at Benito Juárez Airport as he arrived on a flight from Barcelona, Spain.
Authorities stated that Álvarez faces charges of organized crime and money laundering, specifically for receiving and transferring illicit funds. His work with the CJNG reportedly included purchasing properties and managing businesses in the tequila and livestock sectors.
According to El Universal, Álvarez was directly under the command of Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, “El Mencho”, the cartel’s top leader, for whom the U.S. offers a $15 million reward.
The CJNG, which operates throughout Mexico and in various parts of the world, was designated earlier this year as a “foreign terrorist organization” by the U.S. government.
Álvarez was handed over to the federal public prosecutor to determine his legal situation, the report added.
20th Festival Salvadoreñísimo brings together thousands of salvadorans in Houston
El Salvador unveils 2025-2029 National Reintegration Plan for returned migrants
22-Year-Old Suspect Arrested After 33-Hour Manhunt in Small Western U.S. Town
Tec de Monterrey honors one of its students for his contribution to nanotechnology in medicine
Defense Minister commends salvadoran soldier for Central American Cross Country victory
Extension of the state of emergency approved in southern Chile
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