2020 Chilean Constitutional Referendum

About

The 2020 Chilean Constitutional Referendum was a pivotal event in Chile's history, marking a significant shift towards political change. Held on October 25, 2020, it asked two key questions: whether Chileans wanted a new constitution and what type of body should draft it. The referendum was a response to widespread protests in 2019, which highlighted deep-seated social and economic inequalities attributed to the existing constitution drafted during Pinochet's rule. The outcome saw 78% of voters approve drafting a new constitution, with 79% favoring a Constitutional Convention to write it. The referendum's success was a testament to citizen engagement and the desire for greater participation in governance. It was initially scheduled for April 2020 but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Constitutional Convention, which included gender parity and reserved seats for indigenous peoples, was elected in May 2021. Despite the enthusiasm for change, the draft constitution was later rejected in a September 2022 plebiscite. Nonetheless, the process remains a crucial step towards addressing Chile's historical inequalities and reflecting the populace's aspirations for a more inclusive and equitable society.