The terrible prophecy has unfolded in Chile. A far right movement has surged to become the clear winner in parliamentary elections, securing a majority with 36 percent of the votes and taking 22 seats in the chamber. The lead speaker announced that the opening day marks a new chapter for the country, while opponents of the failed government conceded defeat. The populist People’s Party claimed roughly 62 percent of the vote, a level that had previously stalled a constitutional project designed by a parity congress in response to a popular consultation held last September 4. Unity for Chile and All for Chile, two coalitions aligned with President Gabriel Boric, reached a similar share to the early I Approve Magna Carta result of eight months prior — about 38 percent.
The result propelled Chile into rapid political momentum, setting the stage for a future constitution shaped by strong conservative influence. This shifts the country away from a text emphasizing gender and environmental considerations, and echoes the social upheaval of 2019 that broke from the constitutional framework inherited after the era of Pinochet. The latest outcome suggests the possibility that the constitution, once associated with Pinochet’s legacy, could be revised or replaced. The left, which held an veto with 21 seats, faces a landscape where the balance of power is now more precarious and uncertainty grows about how the constitutional process will proceed.
Boric’s reaction
The President expressed a desire to invite the Republican Party into governance and not repeat past mistakes. He reflected on the period when opponents were marginalized during the drafting of a controversial text approved at the last Convention, a text that would eventually be discarded. He argued that history should not be allowed to repeat itself, emphasizing the need to listen to differing viewpoints and to pursue a process that makes space for dialogue. This stance underscored a belief that national unity cannot be achieved through division but through inclusive negotiation.
The public discourse in the capital, La Moneda, offered explanations from the presidency. A call was made to pursue a path of consensus that can resolve differences while reinforcing democracy across the spectrum. The message urged people to work together to craft a Magna Carta that truly reflects the aspirations of Chileans and the kind of country they want to see. The political forces on the right were urged to join in constructive dialogue rather than retreat into partisan conflict.
Attention to supporters of the Republicans was loud and clear: a new beginning for Chile is on the horizon, and a call to explore avenues for a fresh political compact was issued. This sentiment circulated publicly as part of the broader conversation about how to balance diverse views while safeguarding democratic principles.
Voter anger
The upcoming Magna Carta is expected to face a December vote, though observers acknowledge the path ahead may be uncertain. Analysts noted that the Republicans have shifted from a fringe position to a central force in national politics, which could either accelerate or block the founding process depending on how parties negotiate ahead. Government spokespeople emphasized that the ballot should not be viewed as a referendum on the president’s management, yet public popularity for the administration hovered around a minority level as disillusionment grew. Voters expressed a range of emotions in the polls, with many citing fatigue, skepticism, or a belief that democracy requires more active citizen participation.
Political analysts warned that the mood of the country could tilt negotiations toward or away from meaningful reform. The voting public showed a notable share of abstention, and a spectrum of sentiments appeared in the remarks shared by many voters. The overall climate suggested that a large portion of the population felt disconnected from the political process, underscoring the need for a governance approach that earns broad trust.