Chilean voters rejected a proposed conservative constitution to replace the country’s current text which dates back to the Augusto Pinochet dictatorship, on Sunday (Dec 17). The recent vote came over a year after Chileans also rejected the proposed constitution written by a left-leaning convention which was also categorised as one of the world’s most progressive charters.

With 99.65 per cent of votes counted late Sunday, around 55.76 per cent rejected the new text while 44.24 per cent voted in favour of it.&nbsp;

Therefore with no majority once again, the 1980 constitution drafted during Pinochet’s bloody dictatorship – which has been amended several times over the years – will now remain in place.&nbsp;

<h2>What happens now?</h2>

Now that both drafts have been rejected, Leftist President Gabriel Boric said his government wouldn’t pursue a third rewrite and would move to amend the current text for pension and tax reform through the legislature.

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“The country got polarized, divided,” said Boric during a televised address, adding that the result shows the process “didn’t channel the hopes of having a new constitution written by everyone.”&nbsp;

The attempts to change the current text came after the country had been shaken by large anti-inequality protests in October 2019, leading the lawmakers to propose a change in the constitution as a way to quell the unrest.&nbsp;

The latest draft which was said to be more conservative than the one written during Pinochet’s rule between 1973-1990 was written mostly by the country’s right-wing Republican Party, led by Jose Antonio Kast.

The proposed 216-article constitution took years to draft and placed private property rights and strict rules around immigration and abortion. One of the most controversial articles in this draft said that “the law protects the life of the unborn,” which many had warned could make abortion fully illegal in the South American country.&nbsp;

The current Chilean law allows abortions for three reasons, rape, an unviable fetus and risk to the life of the mother.

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“Finally, after four years of intense debate and constitutional conversation, we’ve ended up at the same point,” said political analyst Kenneth Bunker, as quoted by Reuters.&nbsp;

He also noted that while the two sides have decided to give up on a new rewrite&nbsp;“the conversation is going to stop” and expects the issue to become key in the next presidential elections.&nbsp;

<h2>Political polarisation</h2>

Many Chileans have attributed the failure of both drafts to the country’s political polarisation, which has made it impossible for them to agree on a replacement constitution.&nbsp;

“Our differences are so irreconcilable that we cannot find a middle ground from which to move forward, and that is very sad indeed,” Claudio Fernandez, 41,&nbsp;told Reuters in&nbsp;the capital Santiago

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Most citizens are exhausted after 10 elections of various types in less than two and a half years. However, voting is compulsory in Chile.&nbsp;

The previous draft was dominated by left wing forces and focused on the expansion of social, indigenous, environmental and gender rights. The text was overwhelmingly rejected by voters back in September 2022.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Chilean voters rejected a proposed conservative constitution to replace the country’s current text which dates back to the Augusto Pinochet dictatorship, on Sunday (Dec 17).

Chilean voters rejected a proposed conservative constitution to replace the country’s current text which dates back to the Augusto Pinochet dictatorship, on Sunday (Dec 17). The recent vote came over a year after Chileans also rejected the proposed constitution written by a left-leaning convention which was also categorised as one of the world’s most progressive charters. With 99.65 per cent of votes counted late Sunday, around 55.76 per cent rejected the new text while 44.24 per cent voted in favour of it. Therefore with no majority once again, the 1980 constitution drafted during Pinochet’s bloody dictatorship – which has been amended several times over the years – will now remain in place. What happens now? Now that both drafts have been rejected, Leftist President Gabriel Boric said his government wouldn’t pursue a third rewrite and would move to amend the current text for pension and tax reform through the legislature. ALSO READ | Biden slams Trump for 'fascist-like rhetoric' against migrants and 'praising dictators' “The country got polarized, divided,” said Boric during a televised address, adding that the result shows the process “didn’t channel the hopes of having a new constitution written by everyone.” The attempts to change the current text came after the country had been shaken by large anti-inequality protests in October 2019, leading the lawmakers to propose a change in the constitution as a way to quell the unrest. The latest draft which was said to be more conservative than the one written during Pinochet’s rule between 1973-1990 was written mostly by the country’s right-wing Republican Party, led by Jose Antonio Kast. The proposed 216-article constitution took years to draft and placed private property rights and strict rules around immigration and abortion. One of the most controversial articles in this draft said that “the law protects the life of the unborn,” which many had warned could make abortion fully illegal in the South American country. The current Chilean law allows abortions for three reasons, rape, an unviable fetus and risk to the life of the mother. ALSO READ | Israel-Hamas war: Israeli hacking group disrupts 70% of Iran’s petrol pumps “Finally, after four years of intense debate and constitutional conversation, we’ve ended up at the same point,” said political analyst Kenneth Bunker, as quoted by Reuters. He also noted that while the two sides have decided to give up on a new rewrite “the conversation is going to stop” and expects the issue to become key in the next presidential elections. Political polarisation Many Chileans have attributed the failure of both drafts to the country’s political polarisation, which has made it impossible for them to agree on a replacement constitution. “Our differences are so irreconcilable that we cannot find a middle ground from which to move forward, and that is very sad indeed,” Claudio Fernandez, 41, told Reuters in the capital Santiago ALSO READ | North Korea's missile launches a threat to peace and stability: Japanese PM Kishida Most citizens are exhausted after 10 elections of various types in less than two and a half years. However, voting is compulsory in Chile. The previous draft was dominated by left wing forces and focused on the expansion of social, indigenous, environmental and gender rights. The text was overwhelmingly rejected by voters back in September 2022. (With inputs from agencies)

Chileans vote against new conservative constitution to replace current dictatorship-era text

Moving away from a constitution that focused on social benefits, environmental rights, gender parity and indigenous rights, Chile on Sunday voted for the nation's right-wing parties to elect advisers who will draft a new constitution.&nbsp;

This, as per Reuters, marks a sharp shift from a progressive majority that drafted a failed first constitutional rewrite.&nbsp;

A tally of about 95.13 per cent of the ballots revealed that Chile's Republican Party, led by Jose Antonio Kast, secured nearly 35 per cent of the votes.

Of the rest of the votes, a coalition of traditional right-wing parties gained just over 20 per cent, while President Gabriel Boric's left-wing coalition received about 29 per cent of the votes. The remaining votes went to centrist parties.

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Former conservative firebrand presidential candidate Jose Antonio Kast, who lost to Boric in 2021, during a speech in Santiago branded his opponent's government a "failed" one.

"Chile has defeated a failed government."

"Today is the first day of a better future, a new start for Chile," said Kast.

The final results will determine the exact makeup of a 50-seat Constitutional Council that will be in charge of drafting a new constitution.&nbsp;

Any articles will be approved with a three-fifths majority.&nbsp;

The constitutional advisers elected on Sunday will commence the process of drafting a new constitution in June. The draft will be based on a draft compiled by 24 constitutional experts appointed by Congress in March. Once the draft is complete, voters will have the opportunity to approve or reject it in December.

Reuters reported&nbsp;that this marks the latest step in a years-long effort to overhaul Chile's dictatorship-era text. The effort began after nearly 80 per cent of Chileans voted to draft a new constitution in 2020. This was preceded by violent protests against inequality.

The first rewrite was drafted by largely independent and left-leaning constituents with a focus on social welfare, environmental protections, gender equality, and indigenous rights. Despite being viewed as one of the most progressive constitutions globally, a lot of voters deemed it too divisive, and the procedure was embroiled in controversies.

The draft was rejected by 62 per cent of the voters. For backing the first constitution rewrite, Boric has suffered a setback and his approval ratings have plummeted.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chileans-reject-new-proposed-constitution-in-referendum-512944">Chileans reject new proposed constitution in referendum</a>

In March of last year, Boric assumed office amid high hopes of reform, but as the struggling economy and rising crime&nbsp;become the foremost concerns of voters, his popularity has waned.&nbsp;

Since voter rejection of the first draft, the president has distanced himself from the process while promising to support it. Boric reassured reporters after casting his vote on Sunday that the government would respect the council's autonomy and serve as a guarantor while assisting its requests.

"The government won't meddle with the process and will respect the entity's autonomy in its deliberation."

Delivered remarks from Santiago's La Moneda presidential palace he called for unity and urged the opposition to learn from the previous failed attempt, stating that he wanted the Republican Party, to avoid making the same blunders as his party. Boric stated that the process should not be about vendettas but prioritising Chile's interests.

"I want to invite the Republican Party, that's won an unquestionable majority, to not make the same mistakes we made," he said. "This process can't be about vendettas, but putting Chile first."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Moving away from a constitution that focused on social benefits, environmental rights, gender parity and indigenous rights, Chile on Sunday voted for the nation's right-wing parties to elect advisers who will draft a new constitution.

Moving away from a constitution that focused on social benefits, environmental rights, gender parity and indigenous rights, Chile on Sunday voted for the nation's right-wing parties to elect advisers who will draft a new constitution. This, as per Reuters, marks a sharp shift from a progressive majority that drafted a failed first constitutional rewrite. A tally of about 95.13 per cent of the ballots revealed that Chile's Republican Party, led by Jose Antonio Kast, secured nearly 35 per cent of the votes. Of the rest of the votes, a coalition of traditional right-wing parties gained just over 20 per cent, while President Gabriel Boric's left-wing coalition received about 29 per cent of the votes. The remaining votes went to centrist parties. Also read | IN PICS | Protests, rallies, demonstrations: Here's how people marked May Day across the world Former conservative firebrand presidential candidate Jose Antonio Kast, who lost to Boric in 2021, during a speech in Santiago branded his opponent's government a "failed" one. "Chile has defeated a failed government." "Today is the first day of a better future, a new start for Chile," said Kast. The final results will determine the exact makeup of a 50-seat Constitutional Council that will be in charge of drafting a new constitution. Any articles will be approved with a three-fifths majority. The constitutional advisers elected on Sunday will commence the process of drafting a new constitution in June. The draft will be based on a draft compiled by 24 constitutional experts appointed by Congress in March. Once the draft is complete, voters will have the opportunity to approve or reject it in December. Reuters reported that this marks the latest step in a years-long effort to overhaul Chile's dictatorship-era text. The effort began after nearly 80 per cent of Chileans voted to draft a new constitution in 2020. This was preceded by violent protests against inequality. The first rewrite was drafted by largely independent and left-leaning constituents with a focus on social welfare, environmental protections, gender equality, and indigenous rights. Despite being viewed as one of the most progressive constitutions globally, a lot of voters deemed it too divisive, and the procedure was embroiled in controversies. The draft was rejected by 62 per cent of the voters. For backing the first constitution rewrite, Boric has suffered a setback and his approval ratings have plummeted. Also read | Chileans reject new proposed constitution in referendum In March of last year, Boric assumed office amid high hopes of reform, but as the struggling economy and rising crime become the foremost concerns of voters, his popularity has waned. Since voter rejection of the first draft, the president has distanced himself from the process while promising to support it. Boric reassured reporters after casting his vote on Sunday that the government would respect the council's autonomy and serve as a guarantor while assisting its requests. "The government won't meddle with the process and will respect the entity's autonomy in its deliberation." Delivered remarks from Santiago's La Moneda presidential palace he called for unity and urged the opposition to learn from the previous failed attempt, stating that he wanted the Republican Party, to avoid making the same blunders as his party. Boric stated that the process should not be about vendettas but prioritising Chile's interests. "I want to invite the Republican Party, that's won an unquestionable majority, to not make the same mistakes we made," he said. "This process can't be about vendettas, but putting Chile first." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Chile elects right-wing parties to rewrite constitution after rejecting 'world's most progressive' charter

Chileans&nbsp;went to the polls Saturday to elect 155 people who will re-write the country's&nbsp;dictatorship-era&nbsp;constitution&nbsp;in a bid to address the deep-seated social inequality that gave rise to deadly protests in 2019.

Over two days on Saturday and Sunday, some 14 million people are eligible to&nbsp;vote&nbsp;in what many consider to be Chile's most important&nbsp;election&nbsp;since its return to democracy 31 years ago.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chile-prepares-to-rewrite-constitution-350052">Chile prepares to rewrite Constitution</a>

"Let the voice of the people be heard today in this historic&nbsp;election," President Sebastian Pinera said on Twitter before casting his ballot.

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Chile's&nbsp;constitution&nbsp;dates from 1980, enacted at the height of dictator Augusto Pinochet's 1973-1990 rule,&nbsp;and is widely blamed for blocking equitable progress in a country ranked as one of the most unequal among advanced economies.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chile-to-amend-constitution-a-key-demand-of-protesters-261376">Chile to amend constitution, a key demand of protesters</a>

This inequality was one of the main drivers of protests that began in October 2019, resulting a month later, after 36 deaths, in the government agreeing to a referendum on a new&nbsp;constitution.

That plebiscite, initially scheduled for April 2020 but delayed due to the pandemic, finally took place on October 25 last year.

And the outcome was unequivocal: 80 per cent voted for a new&nbsp;constitution&nbsp;to be drawn up by a&nbsp;body&nbsp;made up entirely of elected members.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/polls-open-in-chile-on-whether-to-rewrite-dictatorship-era-constitution-337838">Polls open in Chile on whether to rewrite dictatorship-era constitution</a>

Gender parity

This weekend, more than 1,300 candidates are in the running to become a part of history.

Analysts say the&nbsp;election&nbsp;will be a battle between candidates from leftist parties and rightist ones, with independents not expected to draw any meaningful support.

Parties on the left broadly seek greater state control of mineral and other natural resources, mostly privatized since the dictatorship, and more public spending on education, health, pensions and social welfare.

Those on the right, with a nod to the need to boost social support, largely defend the capitalist, free-market system they thank for Chile's decades of economic growth.

In a world first, half the candidates are women, by design, as will be the 155-member drafting group that will have nine months to come up with a new founding law for Chile, which will be approved or rejected next year in a mandatory national&nbsp;vote.

Seventeen seats on the&nbsp;constitution-writing "convention" are reserved for indigenous representatives.

Voters will this weekend also elect regional governors, mayors and local councillors, usually a litmus test for presidential&nbsp;elections, next due in November.

Rich, but unequal

Campaigning has been complicated amid a COVID-19 outbreak that has resulted in more than 1.2 million cases and nearly 30,000 deaths in the country of 19 million people.

Chile has one of South America's highest vaccination rates, with more than 48.5 per cent of the 15.2 million targeted inhabitants having received two doses to date.

The country has the highest per capita income and the third-most multi-millionaires in Latin America. But the working and even upper-middle classes live with high indebtedness, often to pay for schooling and private pensions.

An OECD report in February said "persistently high inequality" was a key challenge for Chile, with 53 per cent of households classed as economically vulnerable and the poorest 20 per cent of households earning a mere 5.1 per cent of total income.

There is a low level of satisfaction with the quality of life.

Chileans went to the polls Saturday to elect 155 people who will re-write the country's dictatorship-era constitution in a bid to address the deep-seated social inequality that gave rise to deadly protests in 2019.

Chileans went to the polls Saturday to elect 155 people who will re-write the country's dictatorship-era constitution in a bid to address the deep-seated social inequality that gave rise to deadly protests in 2019. Over two days on Saturday and Sunday, some 14 million people are eligible to vote in what many consider to be Chile's most important election since its return to democracy 31 years ago. Also read | Chile prepares to rewrite Constitution "Let the voice of the people be heard today in this historic election," President Sebastian Pinera said on Twitter before casting his ballot. [EN VIVO] Comienza una jornada histórica, los invito a participar en las #Elecciones2021CL https://t.co/iobaqeDJxK — Sebastian Piñera (@sebastianpinera) May 15, 2021 × Chile's constitution dates from 1980, enacted at the height of dictator Augusto Pinochet's 1973-1990 rule, and is widely blamed for blocking equitable progress in a country ranked as one of the most unequal among advanced economies. Also read | Chile to amend constitution, a key demand of protesters This inequality was one of the main drivers of protests that began in October 2019, resulting a month later, after 36 deaths, in the government agreeing to a referendum on a new constitution. That plebiscite, initially scheduled for April 2020 but delayed due to the pandemic, finally took place on October 25 last year. And the outcome was unequivocal: 80 per cent voted for a new constitution to be drawn up by a body made up entirely of elected members. Also read | Polls open in Chile on whether to rewrite dictatorship-era constitution Gender parity This weekend, more than 1,300 candidates are in the running to become a part of history. Analysts say the election will be a battle between candidates from leftist parties and rightist ones, with independents not expected to draw any meaningful support. Parties on the left broadly seek greater state control of mineral and other natural resources, mostly privatized since the dictatorship, and more public spending on education, health, pensions and social welfare. Those on the right, with a nod to the need to boost social support, largely defend the capitalist, free-market system they thank for Chile's decades of economic growth. In a world first, half the candidates are women, by design, as will be the 155-member drafting group that will have nine months to come up with a new founding law for Chile, which will be approved or rejected next year in a mandatory national vote. Seventeen seats on the constitution-writing "convention" are reserved for indigenous representatives. Voters will this weekend also elect regional governors, mayors and local councillors, usually a litmus test for presidential elections, next due in November. Rich, but unequal Campaigning has been complicated amid a COVID-19 outbreak that has resulted in more than 1.2 million cases and nearly 30,000 deaths in the country of 19 million people. Chile has one of South America's highest vaccination rates, with more than 48.5 per cent of the 15.2 million targeted inhabitants having received two doses to date. The country has the highest per capita income and the third-most multi-millionaires in Latin America. But the working and even upper-middle classes live with high indebtedness, often to pay for schooling and private pensions. An OECD report in February said "persistently high inequality" was a key challenge for Chile, with 53 per cent of households classed as economically vulnerable and the poorest 20 per cent of households earning a mere 5.1 per cent of total income. There is a low level of satisfaction with the quality of life.

Chileans vote for body to rewrite dictatorship-era constitution

Thousands of Chileans celebrate across the country after there was overwhelming voting in favour of replacing dictatorship-era constitution in a referendum on Sunday.&nbsp;

With over 50 per cent of the voted counted, the "Approve" campaign had won 77.9 per cent of the vote, while the "Reject" campaign securing 22.10 per cent, as reported by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/polls-open-in-chile-on-whether-to-rewrite-dictatorship-era-constitution-337838">Polls open in Chile on whether to rewrite dictatorship-era constitution</a>

There were celebrations across the country with thousands seen gathering on the streets of Santiago and blowing horns to celebrate the victory over dumping the constitution that was designed during the regime of 1973-1990 dictator Augusto Pinochet.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/churches-burnt-as-chile-protest-anniversary-turns-violent-336293">Churches burnt as Chile protest anniversary turns violent</a>

"I never imagined that us Chileans would be capable of uniting for such a change!" said Maria Isabel Nunez.&nbsp;

President Sebastian Pinera also accepted the result of the plebiscite, asking the nation to collectively work for a "new constitution".&nbsp;

"This plebiscite is not the end, it is the beginning of a path that we must all walk together to agree on a new constitution for Chile," Pinera said in a speech addressed from his Moneda Palace.&nbsp;

"Until now, the constitution has divided us. From today we must all work together so that the new constitution is the great framework of unity, stability and the future."

Thousands of Chileans celebrate across the country after there was overwhelming voting in favour of replacing dictatorship-era constitution in a referendum on Sunday.

Thousands of Chileans celebrate across the country after there was overwhelming voting in favour of replacing dictatorship-era constitution in a referendum on Sunday. With over 50 per cent of the voted counted, the "Approve" campaign had won 77.9 per cent of the vote, while the "Reject" campaign securing 22.10 per cent, as reported by news agency AFP. Also read | Polls open in Chile on whether to rewrite dictatorship-era constitution There were celebrations across the country with thousands seen gathering on the streets of Santiago and blowing horns to celebrate the victory over dumping the constitution that was designed during the regime of 1973-1990 dictator Augusto Pinochet. Also read | Churches burnt as Chile protest anniversary turns violent "I never imagined that us Chileans would be capable of uniting for such a change!" said Maria Isabel Nunez. President Sebastian Pinera also accepted the result of the plebiscite, asking the nation to collectively work for a "new constitution". "This plebiscite is not the end, it is the beginning of a path that we must all walk together to agree on a new constitution for Chile," Pinera said in a speech addressed from his Moneda Palace. "Until now, the constitution has divided us. From today we must all work together so that the new constitution is the great framework of unity, stability and the future."

Chileans vote in massive numbers to replace dictatorship-era constitution