By Andres Kogan Valderrama
HAVANA TIMES – What was expected in Chile has happened; for the second consecutive time, a constitutional proposal has been rejected. This is not only something quite unprecedented on a global level but also marks the conclusion of a process that aimed to provide a democratic and institutional solution to a crisis in the prevailing political and economic system, which resulted in a massive social uprising in October 2019.
While the outcome may be seen as positive and a relief, as it discredits and hinders the rise of the far right and the figure of JoseAntonio Kast, it leaves us in a scenario of great frustration and political disappointment. This compels us to once again question the reasons for the failure of the constitutional process, which was officially initiated on November 15, 2019, through the so-called Agreement for Peace and a New Constitution.”
“The agreement, which was the political class’s response to the massive mobilizations and demands from various sectors, marked the beginning of a political process in Chile like never before. It filled many with hope of finally having a democratic constitution that would guarantee universal rights and be able to encompass the country in all its diversity.
On a personal level, I was one of those who viewed the 2019 agreement with some skepticism, as it did not include various social sectors in the discussion and did not lay the groundwork for a Constituent Assembly. However, I eventually saw it as an immense opportunity to build a different country, one that would address a political history of elitism and authoritarianism, where constitutions were tailored to those who control political and economic power, starting from 1833 onwards.
Therefore, the immense victory in the initial plebiscite of 2020 and the formation of the Constituent Convention in 2021, composed of a vast and diverse group of individuals outside of political parties, promised a citizen-led body that resembled Chile much more. This suggested a democratization of democracy and the beginning of a new era in the