Chile rejects progressive constitution proposal by large margin

An effort to change Chile’s constitution failed over the weekend. Nearly 62 percent of Chileans voted to reject what would have been one of the most progressive charters in the world. The proposal was projected to fail, but nobody predicted it would fail at such a large margin. The proposed constitution focused heavily on the environment and social issues including gender equality, free education and free healthcare. It would have established autonomous indigenous territories and recognized a parallel justice system in those areas.

The rejection came despite 80 percent of Chileans agreeing they need new laws. Chile is looking to replace the constitution imposed by a dictator 41 years ago. Chile President Gabriel Boric has called on leaders of political parties for a meeting Tuesday to determine next steps in deciding Chile’s future laws.

Boric felt confident in the charter. The result deals a major blow to Boric, who, at 36, is Chile’s youngest president. He had tied his fortunes so closely to the new document that analysts said it was likely some voters saw the plebiscite as a referendum on his government. His approval ratings have been plunging since he took office in March.

The future of Chile’s governing charter remains uncertain. Chilean political leaders of all stripes agree the constitution that dates from the country’s 1973-1990 dictatorship must change. The process that will be chosen to write up a new proposal still has to be determined and will likely be the subject of hard-fought negotiations between the country’s political leadership.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.