In a plebiscite held this Sunday in Chile, the refusal to approve a new draft Constitution marks an unusual milestone at a global level by representing the second consecutive rejection in a period of fifteen months of two constitutional texts.

According to Daniel Zovatto, regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), this unprecedented event translates into “two failed attempts and two rejected texts: one too far to the left and the other too far.” to the right”, marking an unprecedented milestone in the history of global comparative constitutionalism.

“Beyond any outcome, it strengthens our democracy. Chile has shown a strength that we do not have to take for granted, it has shown that we channel the problems we have in society institutionally and resolve them peacefully and trusting the people,” said Chilean President Gabriel Boric, after voting in his native Punta Arenas, in the extreme south of the country.

Challenges after the rejection of the reform

With the maintenance of the Constitution promulgated in October 1980 during the dictatorship of General Augusto Pinochet and in force since March 1981, the country faces the task of addressing pending problems despite the reforms carried out in democracy, especially during the Presidency of Ricardo Lagos (2000-2006).

Despite the progress achieved through reforms, a fundamental obstacle remains: the questionable origin of the current Magna Carta, created in the context of a dictatorship.

According to Zovatto, the focus must be directed towards urgent challenges such as low economic growth, high cost of living, insecurity, crime and migration, situations that require priority attention.

This scenario has led to the critical analysis of experts such as the political scientist and jurist, who reflects on the inability of the Chilean political forces, after thirty-three years of democracy, to forge a constitution agreed upon by the majority of citizens, which is the common home for all the inhabitants of the country.

Taken from Doble Llave

(Reference image source: Engin Akyurt, Unsplash)

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