The official and opposition political parties in Chile resumed negotiations on Monday initiated last week to outline a new constitutional process, with right-wing representatives calling for “caution and responsibility” in the face of differences with the left over alleged agreements.
After meeting four hours at the headquarters of the Congress in Santiago, leaders of the different parties They drew the first lines of what they hope will be “the road map” of a new process.
(Also read: Chile: government and opponents discuss how to carry out a new Constitution)
“We are advancing steadily,” the president of the Chamber of Deputies, Raúl Soto, told the press.
The negotiations take place after on September 4, 62% of the citizenry rejected a proposal for a new Constitution prepared by a Constitutional Convention, whose members had been elected by popular vote, with gender parity and 17 reserved indigenous seats.
The parliamentarians discussed the possibility of implementing a body in charge of drafting the new Constitution 100% popularly elected, although it is not yet known how many people would make it up. The previous one was made up of 155 “constitutional”.
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It was also commented that the wording would be supported this time by a committee of experts, although the format was not defined either.
There are still “pending” issues such as the electoral system, the form of participation of independents or the seats reserved for indigenous peoples.
“We are very hopeful with the result of today’s dialogue; we already know that there is an agreement to democratically elect again 100 percent people who can draft a new constitution for Chile,” said the Minister General of the Presidency, with optimism. Ana Lya Uriarte, who participates in the talks.
But a statement from the right-wing parties warned on their side that “no agreements have yet been finalized” and criticized the announcement that “threatens trust and the collaborative spirit.”
(Also: Chile: the challenges facing Gabriel Boric after rejecting the plebiscite)
67% of Chileans agree with the drafting of a new Constitution
“We will continue to work decisively, cautiously and responsibly (…) to reach the agreements that are needed,” the bulletin added.
A survey by the private institute Cadem revealed this Monday showed that after the rejection of the first proposal, a 67% of Chileans agree with the drafting of a new Constitution.
However, there is less agreement on the drafting body: while 48% support a mixed convention, made up of elected citizens and a committee of experts appointed by Parliament, 27% favor a fully elected convention and 20% favor the Congress.
The Republican Party of former presidential candidate José Antonio Kast reaffirmed its position of not wanting to carry out a new constituent process.
“We do not want another failed process, nor are we available to revive the defeated constitutional process,” said Ruth Hurtado, president of that party.
*With information from AFP and EFE
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