Chile votes on proposed constitution with big changes

Approval would replace Pinochet-era document, recognizing Chile’s Indigenous peoples and requiring action on the climate crisis

Chileans head to the polls on Sunday to either approve or reject what has been described as the world’s most progressive constitution, which would replace the 1980 document drawn up during Gen Augusto Pinochet’s dictatorship.

The referendum marks the culmination of three tumultuous years of protest and political upheaval, in which a protest over subway prices grew into a broad uprising against deeply rooted inequalities and a disconnected political class.

Many hope that the new constitution will usher the country towards fairer future, but the document has been criticised for its verbosity and lack of precision – and polls suggest it may struggle to pass.

Campaigns closed on Thursday night after weeks of frantic advocacy.

Hundreds of thousands of people gathered in the centre of Santiago, to watch politicians, public figures and musicians make the case for approving the proposal.

Nearby, a small crowd of several hundred people brandishing the Chilean flag gathered for the Reject campaign’s closing rally.

Polls have consistently shown that Chileans will vote to reject the constitution, although the campaign in favour of the proposal has gathered momentum as the vote nears.