Chileans are heading to the polls this Sunday to vote on a new draft constitution that has been heavily criticized by activists and analysts. The proposed constitution, drafted by conservative lawmakers, has been likened to a Republican party manifesto and is feared to prioritize the interests of the wealthy and powerful over marginalized groups.
Critics warn that the new proposal, if approved, would be detrimental to children, women, the environment, and the welfare state. Antonia Rivas, a lawyer and anthropologist involved in an earlier draft, stated that the winners of the proposed constitution would be those who already have the most, while the losers would be those in need of protection and support.
The new draft, which responds to current news agendas such as illegal migration and public security, has raised concerns about its conservative ideology and lack of consideration for all segments of the population. Additionally, it includes provisions that have sparked controversy, including a clause deeming it a “duty to honour the fatherland and its national symbols,” safeguarding homeschooling, and slashing seats from the chamber of deputies.
Furthermore, the proposal has been criticized for its potential negative impact on women’s rights and the decriminalization of abortion. Sofía Rodríguez, a spokeswoman for the feminist group Coordinadora Feminista 8M, described the proposal as a dangerous step back for Chilean women and a threat to the rights that have been fought for through social movements.
While the Republican party has defended the proposed constitution, highlighting elements such as salary equality and guarantee of women’s access to elected positions, the final polling before the vote suggests that the “against” option is expected to win with a significant margin.
Should the proposal be rejected, the future of Chile’s constitutional process remains uncertain. President Gabriel Boric has indicated that there will be no new constitutional process before his term ends in 2026. Voters will ultimately decide the fate of the new constitution in what is expected to be a closely watched referendum.