According to journalist and writer Pablo Jofre, more than 15 million Chileans will choose whether to approve or reject the new Constitution, which seeks to replace the one in force since the time of Augusto Pinochet’s military dictatorship (1973-1990).

Initially the polls gave the Reject option an edge, but the margins have narrowed more and more in recent days.

“I am optimistic in the sense of a favorable result for approval (…) but what will happen is a high turnout in this absolutely decisive day from the political point of view,” Jofre said.

The constitutional proposal defines Chile as a social and democratic State of law, a plurinational and intercultural State where various indigenous peoples and nations coexist, such as the Mapuche, Aymara, Rapanui, Quechua, Colla, Diaguita, among others.

Access to basic services such as quality education and health, defense of the environment, women’s rights and the guarantee of a life free of gender-based violence are other pillars of the Constitution, drafted by a joint commission (77 women and 77 men).

Any winning alternative (whether it is approved or not) will not do so by much difference and will show that this country is still very divided, he said.

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