People against a draft new constitution celebrate after the polls close in Santiago, Chile Photo: AP
Chileans rejected the new constitution seeking to replace the text of the era Pinochet's dictatorship, which many feared could significantly reverse the country's progress.
The project supported a pro-market approach to governance, threatened the expulsion of illegal migrants, limited the right to strike, and could lead to tighter restrictions on abortion. With 90 percent of the ballot boxes counted, 56 percent of Chileans rejected the new text.
This is the second time a draft constitution has been rejected in less than two years.
The attempt to reshape the country's social code grew out of protests in Chile in 2019 against deep-seated inequality and political discontent. Thirty people were killed, parts of the capital were destroyed, and hundreds were left seriously injured.
In response to the demonstrations, the government called a referendum — 78 percent voted to replace the constitution created by the government of General Augusto Pinochet — and formed a representative assembly to change it .
A man talks to a riot police officer as people try to celebrate. Photo: Reuters
The first text, containing 388 articles and written mainly by leftists, could become the most progressive charter in the world, giving Chileans the right to housing, Internet access and clean air. It would also guarantee the autonomy of minorities, legalize abortion and introduce gender equality.
But last year's version was overwhelmingly rejected, with 62 percent saying it was unrepresentative of society as a whole. After that, another assembly was chosen, this time led by a far-right party.
The second draft of 216 articles, which Chileans voted against on Sunday, was considered even more conservative than the 1980 constitution it should was replaced because it was based on private property rights and strict immigration rules.
Among the most controversial issues were the immediate expulsion of illegal migrants and the restriction of workers' right to strike. It would also allow the early release — based on age and health — of convicted criminals of the Pinochet dictatorship, 134 of whom are still behind bars.
There was also widespread concern that the government was seeking to open the door to a new constitutional overhaul of access to abortion by slightly changing the wording of the right to life.
“This is very intentional,” Paula Avila said. — Guillen, human rights lawyer, before the vote. “By changing the name of the embryo from “Que” to “Quien” [which] practically changes the relationship of the embryo to a person.”
As in the original text, the second draft also did not mention the indigenous population, which makes up almost 13 percent of the population.
Polls have suggested for months that Chileans would reject the proposed text, although the margin has narrowed in recent weeks.
After four years of debate and debate, observers say the latest rejection shows that Chileans fundamentally dislike extremes with both sides.
Some voters expressed regret over the decision. Political polarization of the country. «Our differences are so irreconcilable that we can't find a middle ground from which to move forward, and that's really very sad,» architect Claudio Fernandez, 41, told Reuters in the capital Santiago.
Politicians and Government had previously said that, at least for now, there would be no third attempt.
On Sunday, Gabriel Borich, Chile's leftist president, said his government would nonetheless continue to work for the good of the people. Despite everything. result.
“Regardless of the results, our government will continue to have a clear focus on people's priorities,” Mr. Borich said.
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