The stages of the new Chilean constitutional process

With the installation of a 51-member council elected on May 7, the majority opposed to the left-wing government of gabriel boricbegins the decisive stage of the second attempt in the last two years to elaborate a new Constitution in Chili.

A 61% of Chileans rejected a first initiative in September. The new proposal that will be elaborated by the Constitutional Council dominated by the ultra-conservatives will also be submitted to a plebiscite.

If a negative pronouncement is repeated, the Constitution imposed in 1980 during the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet (1973-1990), and which has been reformed to eliminate its most authoritarian aspects, will remain in force.

“People are tired. People want certainty and, therefore, I hope that this time we will achieve it”Boric said, ruling out a possible third process under his government that ends in March 2026.

These are the dates and milestones of the new Chilean constitutional process:

– On June 7, the Constitutional Council is installed. Its function is to approve, validate with modifications or incorporate new standards to the draft presented by a commission of experts. Any decision requires a three-fifths majority (31 votes).

The 24 members of the Expert Commission, appointed by Congress, may attend Council sessions and commissions, where they will have the right to speak but not vote.

– On October 7, the Constitutional Council must deliver its proposal. A body of 14 constitutional experts, appointed by Parliament, will review that the approved norms do not contravene the 12 constitutional bases established in the political agreement that opened this process.

Among these bases are those that guarantee the autonomy of the Central Bank, the subordination of the military to civil power and the existence of a bicameral Congress.

– On November 7, the review and adjustment process ends, giving way to the campaign for or against the proposal.

– On December 17, a plebiscite will be held, with a mandatory vote, to approve or not this new draft Constitution.

Source: AFP