A referendum is being held in Paraguay on whether citizens living outside the country should be allowed to vote in general elections.
President Fernando Lugo has urged voters to approve the constitutional amendment, saying it will strengthen Paraguay’s democracy.
More than half a million Paraguayans live abroad out of a population of about six million.
Most of them are in Argentina, followed by Spain and the US.
More than a million Paraguayans went into exile during the 1954-89 military rule of Gen Alfredo Stroessner.
Since then, migration has continued for economic reasons, as people move abroad to find work.
Groups representing migrants have been pressing for the right to vote.
If voters back the measure and it is also approved by Congress, expatriates would be able to vote in general elections due in 2013.
President Lugo has said he does not want a second term, although his supporters have tried to change the law banning reelection.
The former bishop came to power in 2008 on a promise to do more for the poor, ending six decades of rule by the Colorado Party.
The ban on Paraguayans voting if they live abroad dates back to the constitution of 1992, which was introduced after democracy was established.
bbc.co.uk