Chilean activists and analysts are cautioning that many citizens could suffer if a conservative-drafted constitution is passed in the upcoming nationwide vote on Sunday.
Chilean citizens are faced with a difficult decision as they go to vote in a mandatory election, torn between weariness and bitterness. The election will determine whether the 1980 constitution, which was written during Augusto Pinochet’s dictatorship and has been amended since then, should be replaced.
Antonia Rivas, a lawyer and anthropologist involved in drafting an earlier version, expressed concern that children, women, the environment, and the welfare state will suffer as a result.
“And the winners would be those who already have the most,” she said of the proposal, which was written by a gender-equal, 50-person council controlled by the far-right Republican party.
Per Rivas, the most recent version addresses current topics of concern, such as unauthorized immigration and public safety, resulting in a document that resembles a manifesto from the Republican party.
She stated that drafting a constitution without considering all individuals will ultimately lead to its downfall. In her view, this has been proven twice.
The Sunday vote occurred following the rejection of a previous draft in a similar referendum last year. Despite being one of the most progressive constitutions globally, the previous version was strongly rejected by 62% of voters.
After that, the responsibility was transferred to Congress and the issue of the Constitution was once again under the control of the traditional political elite.
The recently proposed plan is widely viewed as an embodiment of the conservative, nationalist ideology of the Republican party.
It includes statements stating that it is the responsibility of Chilean citizens to show respect for their homeland and its symbols, including sports that are considered controversial, such as rodeo.
In different regions, there is a confusing combination of conservative beliefs, such as a proposed law that protects homeschooling – a topic that has seldom, if ever, been discussed in Chile.
The suggestion reduces the number of seats in the chamber of deputies, which is Chile’s lower house of congress. This decision goes against the widespread desire for more decentralization and inclusion in Chilean political affairs.
In conclusion, it states that the government must encourage fair competition, business ownership, and creativity, and strongly emphasizes the safeguarding of personal possessions.
One of its most debated principles includes a provision that safeguards the “life of the unborn”, which several experts claim could lead to the criminalization of abortion – currently permissible in Chile only in cases of rape, threat to the mother’s life, or fatal fetal abnormalities.
“The potential consequences of this constitution for women are concerning, as it threatens the rights that we have fought for and secured through social movements,” stated Sofía Rodríguez, spokesperson for the feminist organization Coordinadora Feminista 8M.
This proposal is a regressive move for both Chile and Chilean women.
The Republicans disagree.
According to Beatriz Hevia, the 31-year-old Republican president of the constitutional council, this constitution contains components that can be endorsed by all parties. She also stated that if one political faction agrees with the entire document, it would indicate a lack of effort on their part.
Hevia emphasizes its commitment to achieving pay equality and ensuring that women have equal opportunities for elected positions. The proposal also includes a provision to prevent one gender from holding more than 60% of seats in the chamber of deputies.
The most recent pre-vote poll shows that the “against” option is currently leading with a range of 55% to 68%.
The option of “in favor” had been increasing, however, no poll has predicted its success.
If this suggestion is also declined, the future path for Chile is uncertain, although the 1980 constitution will stay in effect for the immediate future.
The current President, Gabriel Boric, has stated that there will be no further constitutional proceedings until his term concludes in 2026.
Source: theguardian.com
