Chileans were inclined to reject Magna Carta at the ballot box, this time designed by a constitutional council dominated by the far right and accompanied by its right-wing partners. When 90 percent of the voter rolls were examined, the “Against” option received 55.68 percent of the votes, while the “Accept” option received 44.32 percent of the votes. Before confirming the result, both the Presidential Government Gabriel Boric just as his opponents have promised not to support a third reformist process. Some and others talk about a topic “constitutional fatigue” In society. Despite the exhaustion and volatility of political views, voter participation in the consultations was high: almost 80% of people were able to vote.
This way, The South American country returns to the scene before the social epidemic in October 2019 When it was decided to draft a new basic text to guide the situation. “The mother of wars,” the left said at the time. That first attempt progressive and equal courtHowever, he was defeated in September 2022. His supporters paid the high price for failure. The situation was not completely reversed this Sunday. Even though conservative groups have encouraged “One Favor”, they are not disturbed by the validity of the Constitution prepared in 1980, with its image and resemblance to the general dictatorship. Augusto Pinochet. Therefore, the continuation of this Charter, which has been the subject of nearly 70 reforms since the democratic transition began in 1990, means a kind of victory for that area, despite the setbacks in the elections.
“Chileans said at the beginning of this story that they wanted a new Constitution. Today, for the second time, the current Constitution in Chile has been approved. And it is important to be consistent with this democratic response that our country proposes.” President Javier Macaya said: Independent Democratic Union (UDI, right). Academician Cristóbal Bellolio from Adolfo Ibañez University reminded that the current Constitution has an “original flaw” because ““It was done under fraud and dictatorship”. Although the text has been modified over the last 43 years, it bears the trace of origin that he has twice tried to eliminate.
The proposal rejected on Sunday gave decisive weight to the private sector in areas such as: education, health and retirement, exactly the sparks that ignited the rebellion four years ago. Feminist groups have argued that this Constitution represents a regression in every aspect of gender aspirations. “The women knew what was at stake”said Carolina Leito, leader of the “Against” campaign. Environmentalists also evaluate the state’s preparations for climate change in this text in the same way.
President’s word
“Beyond any consequences, our democracy is getting stronger” said Boric during the vote. “I call on all my fellow citizens to value these examples.” The president added: “Our government will continue to work on the priorities of the people.” The young president avoided political humiliation this Sunday, but with several storm fronts on the horizon, what a personal victory nor was he in a position to claim the victory of his Government.
Michelle Bachelet He was a determined opponent of the Magna Carta proposal. The former president also evaluated that as of Monday, the road opened on the streets in 2019 has “closed”. “I believe that you have neither the spirit nor the will to implement a new process. and the second one i guess There are other, much more pressing problems to solve.“, among them is urban security. Presidential spokesperson Camila Vallejo also pointed out the same thing. Minister of Internal Affairs and Public Security Carolina Tohá did not exclude the possibility of changes in the ministerial team in the light of political developments. “What awaits us is to make great efforts to learn, it is the duty of the nation to do so or to fulfill it like this.
Right and left intersection
Writer Rafael Gumucio voted “Against.” But the victory of this alternative left a bitter taste. According to him, “disappointment with politics and politicians” prevailed. What happened did not surprise him. However you like, has gained “annoyance with a Government that fails to be either amiable or credible”“. The left lost at one point, although the much-feared scenario of a “One Good Deed” victory did not materialize. It has still not recovered its strength since the defeat in September 2022. Boric also has a popularity rating of less than 40% and is pushing an agenda that includes an ambitious tax reform. is insufficient to impose.
“A scene is closing”He stated, without any trace of originality: José Antonio Kast. As the hours passed, the leader of the far-right Republicans tried to avoid paying the personal price for his election decision. Her The aim of turning the consultation into a referendum against the Government Efforts to solidify the presidential race by the end of 2025 did not bear fruit.
UDI’s Evelyn Matthei, mayor of the commune of Providencia, one of Santiago’s richest, has announced once again that she wants to run for the same position. He reproached the caste party The second founder is for the way he approaches the process. “What I really desired was to have a Constitution that could be approved by seventy percent of Chileans. That would be ideal.”
Analysts seem to agree on the reasons for this result. “The population is so depleted that“This is so far removed from the desire for change that dominated the scene between 2019 and 2021 that any presidential candidate who actually proposes a new constituent process will be rejected by many,” said election expert Pepe Auth.