Referendum: Chileans vote on new constitution

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referendum
Chileans vote on new constitution

Referendum in Chile: The new constitution is intended to replace the current basic law, which dates back to the time of the military dictatorship. photo

© Matias Basualdo/AP/dpa

The draft for a new constitution in Chile was rejected by a large majority in a referendum last year. Now the Chileans can vote again – on a conservative constitution.

In Chile it has Referendum on a new constitution started. In the vote on Sunday, around 15 million eligible voters should decide whether the current basic law from the time of the military dictatorship under General Augusto Pinochet should be replaced by a new constitution. Right-wing and conservative groups called for approval of the Constitutional Council’s draft, while left-wing parties and associations called for rejection.

The Constitutional Council was dominated by delegates from right-wing parties. Critics complain that the new constitution represents a step backwards in certain rights. The draft could restrict the right to abortion, enable the immediate expulsion of foreigners and establish tax advantages for homeowners.

This is the second attempt to give the South American country a new constitution. Last year, Chileans rejected a very progressive draft constitution with a large majority. It would have guaranteed the right to housing, education and health, established a 50 percent quota for women in all state bodies and granted the indigenous communities the right to self-determination. That apparently went too far for many people in the conservative country.

Draft Constitution Electoral Office Electoral Office at X

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