SANTIAGO: In dramatic contrast to the progressive majority that created the previous unsuccessful constitutional revision, right-wing parties in Chile received the majority of votes to choose consultants to design the new constitution.
The Republican Party of Chile, led by former conservative firebrand candidate Jose Antonio Kast, received approximately 35% of the vote with 95.13 per cent of the votes counted.
President Gabriel Boric’s left-wing alliance received around 29% of the vote, while a rival combination of traditional right-wing parties received over 20%. The remaining votes went to parties in the centre.
Kast, who fell short against Boric in 2021, declared that “today is the first day of the better future, the latest start for Chile.” “A failed government has been overthrown by Chile.”
The 50-seat Constitutional Council that would be in charge of writing the new constitution would have its exact composition decided by the final results. A three-fifths majority vote would be required to approve an article.
The country’s dictatorship-era document has been under revision for years; in 2020, following violent anti-inequality protests, almost 80% of Chileans cast ballots to write a new constitution. This is the next phase in that process.
24 constitutional experts appointed by Congress
Based on the draught created by the 24 constitutional experts who were nominated by Congress in March, the newly elected constitutional advisers would begin drafting the new constitution in June. The most recent plan would then be put to the vote in December.
The first revision, which was produced by a sizable independent and left-wing constituency and focused on social benefits, gender equity, environmental rights, and indigenous rights.
It was regarded as one of the most progressive constitutions in the world, but some voters thought it to be excessively divisive, and the process was beset by disputes.
The euphoria around reform helped bring Boric to power when he assumed office in March of last year, but as the faltering economy and rising crime have replaced it as voters’ top worries, his popularity has subsequently plunged.
After lending his support to the initial revision, which was rejected by over 62% of voters, Boric suffered the political setback. The president promised to support the process but has now distanced himself from it.
