Activists and analysts in Chile are raising concerns about the potential negative consequences for the population if a new draft constitution, proposed by conservative lawmakers, is approved in an upcoming nationwide referendum. The referendum, scheduled to take place soon, will determine whether the current 1980 constitution, written during Augusto Pinochet’s dictatorship, should be replaced.
Critics argue that the proposed constitution would disproportionately benefit those who already have the most, while marginalized groups such as children, women, the environment, and the welfare state would suffer. The draft was written by a council consisting of 50 members, all controlled by the far-right Republican party, leading some to perceive it as a manifestation of the party’s ideology.
Interestingly, Chile had previously witnessed a similar referendum last year, where voters overwhelmingly rejected a different draft constitution that would have been one of the world’s most progressive. The new proposal includes clauses highlighting national symbols, such as promoting sports like rodeo, and safeguards homeschooling, a topic rarely discussed in Chile. This has caused concern among critics who advocate for greater decentralization and representation and believe that reducing the number of seats in the lower congressional house contradicts these goals.
The proposed constitution strongly protects private property rights and emphasizes the principles of free competition, entrepreneurship, and innovation. However, one highly controversial clause addresses the protection of the unborn, which could potentially lead to the decriminalization of abortion. Critics argue that this poses a threat to the hard-won rights of women and is a step backward for Chilean women’s rights.
Despite the criticisms, proponents of the draft highlight elements that they believe everyone can support, such as salary equality and increased female representation in politics. However, current polls suggest that the “against” option is likely to emerge as the winning choice, with less support for the “in favor” option.
If the proposed constitution is rejected, the future of Chile’s constitution remains uncertain. Although the 1980 constitution would continue to be in place for the time being, there will be no new constitutional process until President Gabriel Boric’s term ends in 2026. As the referendum approaches, Chileans are eagerly awaiting the outcome, hoping for a decision that will truly reflect the needs and aspirations of the country’s diverse population.
