While the world is dealing with the failing economy and a contagious viral outbreak, the awakened citizens of Chile grabbed the historic chance at change by voting in favour of rewriting their Pinochet era constitution on Sunday, October 25.

The vox populi (popular demand) is to develop a new draft of the constitution which should be replacing the existing principles and guidelines under the Military dictatorship of General Augusto Pinochet, which was imposed almost 4 decades ago.

Last year widespread protests emerged on the streets in the cities of Chile where people were infuriated against the inequality in healthcare, pensions, and education in the country, which is ironically one of the most developed and liberated nations of South America. After the protests, the government had to agree to a centre-left opposition that shall allow the referendum.

As per the Electoral Service, almost 78% of voters supported the transformation and renewal of the constitution while only 22% opposed the idea, from all the polling stations. The supporters wanted a charter to be drafted with at least 155 citizen-elected members rather than having half members of the Congress while only half of them are elected by the citizens.

Sebastián Piñera, the centre-right President of Chile addressed all the supporters and appreciated their efforts. He also said that this is just the beginning of a long protocol and people should be patient enough to witness the change. Following the President’s speech, a large gathering of people was witnessed at the capital’s central square, to celebrate the new convention.

An excited Chilean celebrant, Felipe Caviedes said, “I am part of the social diversity that was marginalized 30 years in this country and now, at last, we can create it ourselves. Now there are real changes coming.”

The voting for this new convention of constitutional restructuring was scheduled to take place in April 2020 but had to be pushed further due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Even on Sunday, the voting was done by ensuring that the voters follow the social distancing guidelines and also follow the necessary associated rules.

The convention would soon be drafting a newly transformed constitution and declaring the final one by the year 2022.

The author is a student member of Amity Centre of Happiness.