Chile’s Constitutional Referendum of October 25, 2020

On October 25, 2020, Chilean voters participated in a landmark constitutional referendum, decisively approving the drafting of a new constitution to replace the existing one from the era of General Augusto Pinochet. This historic vote marked a significant turning point in Chile’s democratic transition and aimed to address long-standing social and economic inequalities.

Background

The call for a new constitution stemmed from widespread protests that erupted in October 2019, initially sparked by an increase in Santiago’s metro fares. However, these protests quickly grew into a broader movement against income inequality and the perceived inadequacy of the country’s social safety net and institutional structures. The existing constitution, written in 1980 during Pinochet’s military dictatorship, was often criticized for enabling the concentration of economic and political power.

The Referendum

The referendum asked voters two key questions:

1. Whether they wanted a new constitution.
2. What kind of body should draft it.

Voter turnout was high despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting the populace’s strong desire for change. Over 78% of voters supported the drafting of a new constitution. Furthermore, nearly 79% of voters favored a constitutional convention comprising entirely of elected citizens, over a mixed assembly of sitting lawmakers and elected members.

Significance

The overwhelming support for a new constitution indicated the public’s wish to establish a more democratic and egalitarian framework that reflects modern Chilean values and facilitates social reforms. The new constitution drafting process commenced with the election of convention members, allowing for broad representation.

Aftermath

The approval of the new constitutional process signified a peaceful expression of public will, demonstrating Chile’s commitment to resolving deep-seated societal issues through democratic means. The drafting and subsequent ratification, initially scheduled to be completed within two years, was closely watched internationally as a model of civilian-driven constitutional reform.

By embracing the call for a new charter, Chile took a substantial step toward reforming its political and social landscapes, aiming to rectify the persistent disparities rooted in its institutions. This process was explicit in its aim to include diverse voices from across the society, fostering a new national dialogue about Chile’s future.