After Years of Political Unrest, Chile Advances Carefully on the Path to a New Constitution

Chile continues its complex journey toward drafting a new constitution, a process born out of the mass social protests of 2019 and intended to replace the existing charter inherited from the Pinochet era. After a series of referendums and the rejection of a progressive draft in 2022, the nation now navigates a more measured, consensus-driven approach.

The current effort is spearheaded by a new Constitutional Council, established in 2023 following a renewed mandate from the Chilean people. This council is composed of representatives selected through elections, balanced by oversight from a panel of constitutional experts to ensure the drafting process remains within democratic and institutional norms.

One of the primary challenges facing the council is reconciling sharply divided political ideologies. Whereas the previous attempt leaned heavily progressive, this iteration includes broader representation from conservative and centrist groups. As a result, the process has become more pragmatic, with debates focusing on structural issues such as the role of the state, property rights, indigenous recognition, and environmental stewardship.

President Gabriel Boric has maintained a cautious distance from the drafting process, aiming to preserve its legitimacy and avoid politicization. In public statements, he has emphasized the importance of national unity and the need for a constitution that reflects the diversity of Chilean society.

Recent polls suggest that public trust in the process is slowly rebuilding, though skepticism remains. Many Chileans are wary of political elites and fear the new document might either fall short of expectations or be overly compromised. Despite these tensions, the Constitutional Council has made tangible progress, completing a preliminary framework expected to be debated in a national referendum in late 2025.

International observers have praised the transparency of the process and the inclusion of diverse voices, noting it as a potential model for other nations grappling with foundational reform. “Chile is showing that even in times of political division, a nation can choose deliberation over confrontation,” said one United Nations official.

Looking forward, much will depend on the council’s ability to maintain momentum and deliver a proposal that resonates across Chile’s varied social spectrum. The hope remains that a new constitution could finally provide a foundation for long-term social cohesion, economic development, and democratic stability.

Note: This article reflects developments in Chile’s constitutional process as of April 2025, based on official reports and public discourse.