In a nationwide plebiscite Chileans have voted against the adoption of a new conservative constitution to replace the current text. The “against” option secured over 55% of the votes.
The 1980 constitution drafted during Gen Augusto Pinochet’s bloody dictatorship will now remain in place, making the result bittersweet for Chile’s progressives and its leftwing government.
Sunday’s vote marked the second consecutive rejection of a draft constitution in as many years by voters. President Gabriel Boric, addressing the nation late on Sunday evening after a meeting with his inner circle at La Moneda, the presidential palace in Santiago, stated, “The constitutional process will conclude during our government.” a nationwide plebiscite
“We have listened to the people, and the ‘against’ option has been backed by the citizens, which gives us tremendous responsibility,” stated Carolina Leitao, the mayor of a Santiago neighborhood and a key figure in the “against” campaign.
Meanwhile, at the headquarters of the rightwing Independent Democratic Union Party across town, members gathered in front of a giant national flag to concede defeat and assert the triumph of the 1980 constitution.
“In summary, Chile does not want constitutional changes nor refoundation,” declared Senator Javier Macaya, the party president. He urged the country’s left to halt all attempts at constitutional reform.
Chile experienced significant anti-inequality protests in October 2019, leading the political class to consider constitutional changes as a means to address the unrest. In September of the following year, after three years of extensive and divisive debate, 62% of voters decisively rejected a progressive constitution, which aimed to guarantee a broad range of rights and freedoms while making significant changes to the country’s judicial and political systems.