55.6% reject the new Chilean constitution proposed by the right

After 96% of the votes were counted, the people rejected Chile’s new constitution. The referendum was held on Sunday (17 December 2023). There were 55.6% against and 44.3% in favor of the new Magna Carta. Voting began at eight in the morning and ended at six in the evening.

This was the second time Chile was in the process of trying to replace the 1981 constitution, which was granted during the military dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet (1973-1990).

For those who do not justify their absence, the fine amounts to between 32,000 and 192,000 pesos (about R$182 and R$1,094, at the current exchange rate). About 15 million Chileans were eligible to participate, of whom more than 5 million were from the metropolitan area.

Chile’s President, Gabriel Porich, arrived at the polling station at 11:41 a.m., in Punta Arenas, about 4 hours after polls opened.

Speaking to reporters after the vote, Buric said:“Regardless of the outcome” Your government “We will continue to work in defense of the people.”.

At the end of November, parties from Chile’s ruling base said they would not promote a third constitutional process if the country’s Magna Carta proposal was rejected in a referendum.

The parties said, in a statement, that they are against the new constitution, in their opinion “It doesn’t solve people’s problems”. The text was signed by the following parties: Socialist Party, Communist Party, Social Convergence, Democratic Revolution, Party for Democracy, Liberal Party, Radical Party, Party of Communes, Social Green Regional Front, and Humanitarian Action.

The proposal, which was rejected on Sunday (December 17), is seen by critics as preserving the principles of Pinochet’s constitution, which has undergone several redraftings since its publication.

The text, written mostly by right-wing and conservative politicians, addressed the main themes of the Chilean right, such as opposition to abortion, defense of private pensions and a private health care system. It also provided less detail on issues of gender equality and the rights of indigenous communities.

In the last poll conducted by Kadem between November 22 and 24, 46% of those interviewed expressed their intention to vote against the change in the referendum, while 38% stated that they would vote in favor of it. This was the smallest difference recorded since May. Read the complete (PDF – 2 MB, in Spanish).

For experts, keeping the Constitution in force is a “Victory tastes like defeat” Left and towards Borek. This was the second constitutional proposal to be rejected during his government, which already had a high rejection rate.

Cadem data indicates that the Chilean president has a disapproval rate of 65% and an approval rate of 30% among the population. He took office on March 13, 2022, after defeating right-wing candidate José Antonio Cast with 55.9% of the vote. Initially, his term began with 50% approval and 20% disapproval.