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As Uruguay heads to the polls to elect its next president, the vote has as much to do with the country's future as it does with its past.

On the ballot will be a referendum on what is known as the Expiry Law or amnesty for those police and military officials who were involved in the human rights abuses of thousands between 1973 and 1985.

The Expiry Law was passed by a public referendum in 1989.

Under the current administration of Tabare Vazquez, Uruguay's president, prosecutions of some of the major players in those crimes have been pursued with the help of testimony from former police and military officials who were involved but had amnesty.

But after 20 years with the Expiry Law the country's mood may have changed.

Just last week, the Uruguayan supreme court issued a ruling that the Expiry Law was unconstitutional - a decision that legal scholars believe may have broad application.

Also last week, the country's last military dictator was given a 25-year prison sentence for murder and rights violations during his rule.

On Monday's Riz Khan show we ask: What is next as Uruguay tries to resolve its past and should human rights abusers ever be given amnesty?

Joining the programme from Uruguay will be Felipe Michelini, a politician and son of former senator, Zelmar Michelini, who was assassinated during the military dictatorship in Uruguay, and Javier Ciurlizza, the Americas director for the International Center for Transitional Justice. 

This episode of the Riz Khan show aired from Monday, October 26, 2009.