About one year ago, on October last year, Chile experienced a social and political uprising that marked a before and after for the country - what we called “Chile’s Awakening”. Fiery manifestations fighting against the status quo, that thanks to their tremendous impact, represented a voice of hope for millions of Chileans, and pressured the political class to finally respond people’s demands.
It all started with the rise in the price of the metro subway fare; however, this represented only the tip of the iceberg of the injustices that Chileans have had to face over the years. The base of this iceberg is the Chilean constitution that was drawn up in 1980 in times of Pinochet’s dictatorship. After intense weeks of protests throughout the country, a consensus was finally reached to carry out a referendum in April 2020, in which the population would be asked if they would like a new constitution to be drafted and how it should be written.
Unfortunately, due to the Corona Virus, the referendum had to be postponed for several months. It was decided that it would take place on October 25 of this year, 2020. A few days have passed since then, and now, with great emotion and joy, I can say that the voice of the Chilean people was finally heard and that a new constitution will begin to be drafted next year. The scope of this citizen vote had not been seen for decades. More than 7.5 million people voted both in Chile and abroad, and nearly 80% of the voters chose to draft a new constitution.
The victory of the approval without a doubt is a great victory for the country, however, it only symbolizes the beginning of a long process that hopefully will help the country fight for a dignified life and social equality. It needs to help establish to quality and free education and improve our fragile healthcare system. It needs to give an end to the persecution of indigenous communities including the Mapuche people. Chile also needs to advance on issues of gender and climate justice.
It hurts me again to be away from my country at such historic moment, for many people; a turning point. However, I am confident that the Chilean people will continue to make their voice heard. After decades, the core of the injustice of Chilean society will finally be thrown out. I truly hope that this new constitution will be drafted for the good of all and for a more just, equal, and real democracy.