Around 30 years after returning to democracy, Chile could get a new constitution. In a referendum on Sunday, the citizens of the South American country will decide whether they want a new constitution.
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They also determine whether a constituent assembly made up of specially elected delegates should prepare the new text or whether half of the body consists of parliamentarians. 14.8 million Chileans are called to vote. When the constitution is drafted, citizens should be able to vote on it again.
The current constitution of 1980 dates from the time of the military dictatorship of General Augusto Pinochet. Although it was changed again and again, there was always criticism of its authoritarian origin, the strong bundling of powers in the central government and the limited influence of the citizens. Proponents of a new constitution now want to strengthen the social role of the state, include basic rights to work, health care, education and drinking water, and establish the recognition of indigenous peoples.
A new constitution was one of the core demands of the demonstrators who took to the streets against the government for weeks about a year ago. They also called for better access to health care and education and a move away from the neoliberal economic system. More than 30 people were killed in the protests. (dpa)
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