Nearly 13 million Chileans have rejected President Gabriel Boric’s ‘progressive’ constitution in a landmark vote
Chileans have voted against President Gabriel Boric’s proposed constitution.
Nearly 62 per cent of voters rejected the changes, which proposed a shifted away from Chile’s dictatorial past with a suite of new policies.
“We have to listen to the voice of the people. Not just today, but the last intense years we’ve lived through,” Boric said.
The proposed changes focussed on increased social rights, gender parity, and recognition for Indigenous peoples.
“That anger is latent, and we can’t ignore it,” Boric said.
The original constitution was published in 1981, and ties the South American nation to free-market policies, which removes any intervention or regulation from the government.
The vote was a crucial test for Boric’s leftist government, as he eyes off a new cabinet in response to the overwhelming vote.
The 36-year-old leader has been in charge of the nation since March, after a 55 per cent majority.
Karol Cariola, who is a spokesperson for the ‘yes’ campaign said change is still on the cards.
“We are committed to creating conditions to channel that popular will and the path that leads us to a new constitution,” Cariola said.
Meanwhile, ‘no’ voters raised concerns about wealth distribution and so-called ‘progressive’ policies.
The mandatory vote follows 80 per cent of Chileans choosing to draft the constitution in 2020, and several years of national protests.
