A constitutional council, dominated by the radical right, has begun drafting a new proposed constitution for Chile after the failure at the polls of a first draft that sought to replace the current Magna Carta in force since the dictatorship. Of the 51 members of the council, 50 assumed their functions after the resignation of Aldo Sanhueza, of the Republican Party, who faces accusations of sexual abuse.
During the ceremony, President Gabriel Boric affirmed that closing this cycle will be good for Chile. Boric promoted the first draft Constitution arising from the social protests that erupted in October 2019, which was rejected at the polls by 61% of Chileans. Said project proposed radical changes in the political, legislative, and judicial systems, including a plurinational state, indigenous justice, reserved seats for native peoples, the right to abortion, and gender parity in public office.
After its failure, the political forces agreed to a second attempt to replace the Constitution drafted in 1980 during the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet. In May, Chileans elected a new constituent body, this time dominated by an ultra-conservative right wing and with figures nostalgic for the dictatorship and reluctant to make major changes.
Boric expressed the need for a collaborative process in which the parties are willing to compromise and seek common ground for the benefit of Chile. The Commission of Experts delivered the draft on which the constituents will work during the next five months. The council can approve, modify, or propose new articles with a three-fifths majority.
The final proposal will be submitted to a plebiscite on December 17. If rejected, the Constitution imposed by the military regime will remain in force. During the first session, Beatriz Hevia, of the Republican Party, was elected president of the Constitutional Council. The right wing has 22 seats on the council, in contrast to the predominance of the left and independents in the previous process.
Hevia warned about the “integral crisis” in the country, highlighting the decomposition of family life and disregard for authority, norms, and the rule of law. The council installation ceremony was marked by sobriety and formalities, unlike the previous convention in July 2021, which was accompanied by colorful indigenous costumes, tension, shouting, and riots.
The speeches emphasized caution, the search for agreements, and respect for differences. Miguel Littin, filmmaker and senior councilor, called for not getting carried away by passions or revanchisms of the past, pointing out that history will not forgive those who do so.