Why Chile’s Draft Constitution Has Come Under Attack

Chileans will vote on Sept. 4 on a proposed new constitution to replace one imposed by the military dictatorship that ruled from 1973 to 1990. Almost 80% of voters in a 2020 referendum favored the writing of a new constitution, but now that one is on paper, the latest polls show ratification is in doubt. The proposed new constitution was composed by a left-leaning body, and critics say it will weigh on economic growth, deter investments and undercut political checks and balances.

Though the current constitution has been amended several times since Chile returned to democracy, many have long viewed the document as illegitimate because of its origins during the reign of General Augusto Pinochet, a violent dictator whose rule featured arbitrary arrests and political executions. Critics have also argued that elements of the constitution have entrenched inequality. When mass street protests began on Oct. 18, 2019, triggered by an increase in Santiago subway fares, demonstrators expanded their grievances to include problems with the pension, health care and education systems. In an effort to diffuse tensions, then-President Sebastian Pinera agreed to the 2020 referendum to determine whether Chile would rewrite its charter and what type of body would be in charge of doing so.