Chilean citizens hold referendum to decide on a proposed conservative constitution

Chile is currently undergoing a referendum to determine whether a new constitution should be adopted to replace the one that was established during the rule of General Augusto Pinochet. Last year, a draft proposed by a predominantly left-wing elected body was rejected. This time, a constitutional council consisting mostly of right-wing delegates has drafted a new, more conservative version. However, opinion polls indicate that Chileans are divided on whether to approve this new draft. The push for a new constitution began in 2019 following widespread protests against the government, led primarily by left-wing students who called for significant social and political reforms. In response, the conservative president at the time, Sebastián Piñera, agreed to initiate a process to rewrite the 1980 constitution. However, the first draft, crafted by a constitutional convention chosen by voters, was deemed too radical by many. The proposal included sweeping reforms, such as replacing the Senate with a new Chamber of Regions and acknowledging the rights of indigenous groups in Chile. In a September 2022 vote, it was rejected by 62% of voters. Subsequently, a new constitutional council was established, consisting of 24 individuals designated by Congress and 51 representatives elected by the Chilean people, responsible for creating a revised draft. Now, Chileans are being asked to approve or reject this second draft. Opinion polls indicate that the new draft may also fail to gain sufficient support, with 46% of respondents planning to vote against it, 38% in favor, and 16% undecided. Some critics argue that this revised proposal has swung too far to the right following the first draft's criticism of being too far-left. Concerns have been raised about its impact on gender issues, indigenous rights, and reproductive rights, with critics doubting the text's clarity and emphasizing its emphasis on private property rights and private sector involvement in essential services. On the other hand, advocates for the new draft argue that it offers individuals more choice regarding access to basic services, allowing them to decide between public and private providers. The far-right Republican party, which holds a majority of seats in the constitutional council, supports the new draft. Its leader, José Antonio Kast, has called on Chileans to vote in favor of change and improvement. The opposition has accused President Gabriel Boric's left-wing government of openly promoting the "reject" option. President Boric has stated that if the new draft is rejected, he will not pursue another rewrite, meaning the current constitution will remain in place, potentially with proposed amendments and changes.