2004 Uruguayan constitutional referendum


A constitutional referendum on an amendment dealing with public ownership of water supply was held in Uruguay on 31 October 2004 alongside simultaneous general election.

Background

The proposed amendment to the constitution dealt with the issue of water supply and sanitation, including a statement that access to piped water and sanitation were fundamental human rights, and that
The amendment was supported by presidential candidate Tabaré Vázquez and his Broad Front coalition. Friends of the Earth also supported the move, saying it "sets a key precedent for the protection of water worldwide, by enshrining these principles into the national constitution of one country by means of direct democracy."

Results

Aftermath

In May 2005, the government stated that contracts with private water companies would be honoured until their expiry.