Chile’s Road to a New Constitution

Lessons in Democratic Resilience

Chile has long been seen as one of Latin America’s most stable democracies. However, the country’s path to democratic resilience, particularly in the wake of massive protests in 2019, has revealed much about the power of activism, the importance of citizen participation, and the vital role of voting in shaping a nation’s future. Chile's journey to drafting a new constitution has become a defining moment in its political history, offering lessons not only for Chileans but for democracies worldwide.

In this article, we explore Chile’s road to a new constitution, examining the events leading to the historic vote, the role of activism, and the key lessons for other democracies facing challenges. Keywords like democracy, vote, and activism are essential to understanding how Chile’s democratic resilience has shaped its present and future.

A Brief History of Chilean Democracy

To understand the significance of Chile’s constitutional process, it is crucial to look back at its political history. Chile’s current constitution, drafted in 1980, was created during the dictatorship of General Augusto Pinochet. While the constitution was amended several times after the return to democracy in 1990, many Chileans believe it still carries the legacy of authoritarianism, with provisions that limit the power of the government and inhibit the country’s democratic development.

Chile’s democracy, despite these challenges, remained resilient for decades. The country held regular elections, maintained stable institutions, and experienced consistent economic growth. However, by the late 2010s, frustration over social inequality, inadequate public services, and a perceived disconnect between political elites and the population began to mount.

 

The 2019 Protests: A Call for Change

The tipping point came in October 2019, when a small increase in Santiago’s subway fare sparked mass protests across the country. While the fare hike may have been the immediate trigger, the demonstrations were driven by deeper grievances: income inequality, access to quality healthcare and education, and a sense that the political system was failing to address the needs of ordinary Chileans.

The protests, which came to be known as "Estallido Social" (Social Outburst), involved millions of people across the country and highlighted the power of activism in pushing for political change. Activists from various backgrounds, including students, workers, and indigenous groups, came together to demand a new social contract—one that could only be achieved by rewriting the Pinochet-era constitution.

The protests escalated, leading to widespread unrest and clashes with security forces. Despite the violence, the demand for a new constitution became a central theme of the movement, with protesters insisting that a fair, democratic process was needed to address the systemic inequalities embedded in Chilean society.

Leonardo Rubilar / Agencia Uno / Dpa

The Power of the Vote: Plebiscite for a New Constitution

In response to the protests, Chile’s political leaders agreed to hold a national plebiscite on whether to draft a new constitution. This decision marked a crucial moment in Chile’s democratic resilience, as it allowed citizens to express their will through the power of the vote. The plebiscite, held on October 25, 2020, resulted in an overwhelming victory for the pro-constitution camp, with nearly 80% of voters supporting the drafting of a new charter.

The plebiscite highlighted the role of voting as a tool for peaceful change and reaffirmed the importance of democratic processes in addressing societal grievances. Despite the chaos and uncertainty of the protests, the vote represented a turning point, demonstrating that Chile’s democracy had the capacity to evolve and adapt to the demands of its citizens.

This moment of democratic participation was not just about casting a vote; it was about giving the people the opportunity to shape the very framework of their government. The process that followed—electing a constituent assembly—would be just as important in ensuring that Chile’s democratic system could remain resilient in the face of growing challenges.

 

The Constituent Assembly: Democracy in Action

Following the plebiscite, a 155-member Constituent Assembly was elected in May 2021. This assembly was notable for several reasons: it was the first in the world to achieve gender parity, and it included representatives from indigenous communities, social movements, and independent candidates with no affiliation to traditional political parties. The composition of the assembly itself was a testament to Chile’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity in its democratic process.

This election was a triumph for democracy, as it allowed new voices to participate in shaping the future of the country. It also showed the power of activism in influencing electoral outcomes, as many of the assembly members were grassroots activists who had played key roles in the 2019 protests.

Image of the first session of the Chilean Constitutional Assembly in Santiago, on July 7, 2021. AFP - JUAN CARLOS CANCINO

 

The drafting process, however, was not without its challenges. As the assembly members began their work, it became clear that drafting a new constitution would require not only technical expertise but also the ability to navigate deeply entrenched political and social divisions. Nonetheless, the process continued to move forward, driven by the belief that Chile’s democracy could be strengthened by rewriting its foundational document.

Lessons in Democratic Resilience

Chile’s road to a new constitution offers several key lessons in democratic resilience, applicable not only to the country itself but to democracies around the world. As countries face increasing polarization, social unrest, and challenges to the democratic process, Chile’s experience provides valuable insights into how nations can respond and adapt.

 

1. Activism is Crucial for Change

One of the most significant lessons from Chile’s experience is the power of activism in shaping political outcomes. The 2019 protests were a clear example of how grassroots movements can push governments to respond to popular demands. Activists played a crucial role in bringing the issue of constitutional reform to the forefront, forcing political leaders to take action.

 

The success of the plebiscite and the formation of the Constituent Assembly would not have been possible without the sustained efforts of activists from across the political spectrum. For other democracies, this highlights the importance of civic engagement and activism as essential components of democratic resilience.

 

2. Voting is a Vital Tool for Democratic Change

The plebiscite and subsequent elections for the Constituent Assembly underscored the importance of voting as a mechanism for change. Despite the violence and uncertainty of the protests, Chile’s citizens were able to express their will through the ballot box, reinforcing the idea that voting is a crucial tool for democratic renewal.

 

This lesson is particularly important for countries where voting rights are under threat or where voter participation is low. Chile’s experience shows that, even in times of social unrest, the vote can serve as a peaceful and legitimate way to bring about change.

 

3. Inclusion and Representation Strengthen Democracy

The Constituent Assembly’s gender parity and the inclusion of indigenous and independent voices were significant milestones for Chilean democracy. By ensuring that a diverse range of perspectives was represented in the drafting process, Chile demonstrated its commitment to a more inclusive and representative form of governance.

 

This lesson is critical for democracies facing issues of exclusion or underrepresentation. By ensuring that all voices are heard, countries can strengthen their democratic institutions and build a more resilient political system.

 

4. Collaboration Between Institutions is Key

Chile’s journey toward a new constitution has also highlighted the importance of collaboration between political institutions, civil society, and the military. While tensions between these groups have historically been a challenge, the success of the plebiscite and the drafting process has depended on their ability to work together toward a common goal.

 

For other democracies, this emphasizes the need for institutional cooperation and dialogue in addressing societal challenges. When political leaders, civil society, and other key stakeholders work together, democratic resilience is strengthened, and solutions to complex problems can be found.

 

5. Patience and Perseverance are Essential

Finally, Chile’s experience teaches us that democratic resilience requires patience and perseverance. The road to a new constitution has been long and fraught with difficulties, but Chile’s citizens have remained committed to the process, believing that their efforts will ultimately lead to a better future.

 

This lesson is particularly relevant for countries facing democratic backsliding or political crises. Change doesn't happen overnight, and the path to a more resilient democracy is often challenging. However, by staying the course and maintaining faith in democratic institutions, progress can be made.

The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

As Chile continues its journey toward a new constitution, it faces several challenges. The drafting process has been marked by disagreements over key issues such as the role of the state in the economy, the rights of indigenous peoples, and environmental protections. Additionally, there are concerns about the timeline for completing the new constitution and whether it will be ratified by the public in a subsequent vote.

 

However, despite these challenges, the process offers significant opportunities. A new constitution has the potential to address many of the deep-seated inequalities and injustices that have plagued Chilean society for decades. It can also serve as a model for other countries seeking to renew their democratic systems and address the needs of their citizens.

 

Chile’s Lessons for the World

Chile’s road to a new constitution has been a powerful example of democratic resilience in action. From the 2019 protests to the plebiscite and the election of the Constituent Assembly, Chile has demonstrated the importance of activism, the power of the vote, and the need for inclusion in building a strong and vibrant democracy.

 

As other countries around the world face similar challenges, Chile’s experience offers valuable lessons in how to navigate times of political upheaval and social unrest. By remaining committed to democratic principles and engaging citizens in the process, nations can build a more resilient and inclusive future.

 

In the end, Chile’s journey is far from over, but its progress thus far serves as a reminder that democracy is not a static system—it is a living, evolving process that requires constant engagement, vigilance, and renewal. Through activism, voting, and collaboration, Chile is showing the world what it means to strengthen democracy and build a better future for all.

 

Rodrigo Garrido/Reuters

 

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