Voice of America
24 Oct 2020, 11:35 GMT+10
Chileans are poised to vote for a new constitution as they head to the polls Sunday.
While the current constitution, which dates to Augusto Pinochet's dictatorship, has helped Chile establish itself as one of the region's most stable and successful economies, many in the country say they feel left out.
Dissatisfaction has led to violent protests, starting last year with massive violence over a transit fare hike that left 26 dead, CNN reported. More recently, churches have been burned and hundreds have been arrested in widespread demonstrations.
A new constitution, to be written by an elected citizen's body, has been the main demand of the protesters, who say the current governing document favors private interests and gives disproportionate access to education and health care.
Opponents of the new constitution say changing a document that has favored Chile's economic success is a "leap into the void," Reuters reported.
Analysts say a new constitution could be more inclusive, but that promised social policies might not be able to be supported economically.
Alejandro Werner, IMF Western Hemisphere director, told Reuters on Thursday a new constitution could usher in "a new era in which the main elements that generated the Chilean success story ... are maintained in terms of economic growth, but complemented by a social inclusion agenda."
A potential risk, he said was "a multiplicity of social policies without macroeconomic support."
Sunday's vote would decide not only if Chile would get a new constitution, but who would write it. According to CNN, a constitutional assembly would be chosen in April 2021 during municipal and regional elections. A new constitution would take more than a year to write, CNN reported.
Polls currently show two-thirds of Chileans support a new constitution, Reuters reported.
Get a daily dose of Haiti Sun news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Haiti Sun.
More InformationDETROIT, Michigan: A former top official at a major Detroit nonprofit was sentenced this week to 19 years in prison for stealing over...
ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico: Thousands of people are gathering in New Mexico for a big event that celebrates Native American and Indigenous...
SAN FRANCISCO, California: San Francisco is taking steps to change how it handles drug use. After Some people say focusing on quitting...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: President Donald Trump signed an executive order to expand job training for skilled trades this week, shifting focus...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: This week, U.S. Supreme Court justices seemed open to letting fuel companies challenge California's strict vehicle...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: The Trump administration announced this week that it will create a fast-track approval process for energy and mining...
NEW YORK, New York - U.S. stocks closed mixed Wednesday after it was revealed the economy contracted in the first quarter, while import...
TOKYO, Japan: TikTok is preparing to expand its e-commerce business into Japan, aiming to launch TikTok Shop in the country within...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: Thailand has regained the highest aviation safety rating from the United States, nearly a decade after it was downgraded—a...
SEOUL/WASHINGTON, D.C.: South Korea and the United States have agreed to work toward a trade package aimed at averting the reimposition...
NEW YORK, New York - A single potential U.S. trade deal set markets alight Tuesday with all the major indices gaining ground. I have...
FRANKFURT, Germany: German energy giant RWE has paused its offshore wind operations in the United States, citing ongoing regulatory...