Constitutional Deadlock
Chile's second constitutional draft was rejected by voters, leaving the country in constitutional limbo after years of failed reform efforts sparked by the 2019 social uprising that demanded fundamental change to the country's political and economic model.
Rejection Results
The December 2023 vote:
Second Plebiscite
| Option | Result |
|---|---|
| Reject | ~55% |
| Approve | ~45% |
| Turnout | Mandatory voting |
Two Failed Attempts
Constitutional process history:
First Attempt (September 2022)
| Draft | Character |
|---|---|
| Author | Progressive Constitutional Convention |
| Result | Rejected 62% |
| Issues | Too radical for mainstream |
Second Attempt (December 2023)
| Draft | Character |
|---|---|
| Author | Conservative council |
| Result | Rejected 55% |
| Issues | Too conservative for majority |
Original Pinochet Constitution
What remains in force:
1980 Constitution
| Aspect | Status |
|---|---|
| Origin | Military dictatorship |
| Amendments | Many but insufficient |
| Legitimacy | Questioned by many |
| Current status | Still in force |
2019 Uprising
What sparked the process:
Estallido Social
- Subway fare protests
- Expanded to broader demands
- Inequality focus
- Pension system
- Healthcare, education
Boric Government
President's position:
Administration Stance
| Factor | Status |
|---|---|
| Elected on reform | Yes |
| Constitutional goal | Central |
| Two defeats | Significant setback |
| Political capital | Diminished |
What Now?
Post-rejection options:
Paths Forward
| Option | Feasibility |
|---|---|
| New process | Fatigue present |
| Incremental reform | More likely |
| Status quo | Dissatisfying |
| Future attempt | Years away |
Political Landscape
Current dynamics:
Party Positions
| Bloc | Stance |
|---|---|
| Left | Wants new progressive try |
| Center | Reform fatigue |
| Right | Current constitution acceptable |
Voter Fatigue
Public sentiment:
Attitudes
| Factor | Status |
|---|---|
| Constitutional interest | Declining |
| Process satisfaction | Low |
| Polarization | Hardened |
| Pragmatism | Rising |
Economic Context
Economic pressures:
Indicators
| Factor | Status |
|---|---|
| Growth | Sluggish |
| Inflation | Persistent |
| Copper prices | Variable |
| Investment | Uncertainty |
Regional Comparison
Constitutional changes elsewhere:
Latin America
| Country | Process |
|---|---|
| Chile | Failed twice |
| Peru | Turbulent |
| Colombia | Recent constitution |
| Ecuador | Referenda tradition |
Looking Ahead
Chile's political future:
Expectations
- Incremental legal reforms
- Social demands persistent
- Political polarization
- 2025 elections approach
- Constitutional question deferred
Chile's failed constitutional process reflects the difficulty of finding consensus in a polarized society seeking fundamental change but unable to agree on direction.
