Chileans vote to approve a new constitution, the first since 1980 that was drafted under military leader Augusto Pinochet.
Millions of Chileans are voting in a referendum to approve or reject a new constitution drafted earlier this year, in what could be a defining moment for the country of 19 million people.
The proposed constitution – which took a year to prepare – includes more rights for women, indigenous people, and working-class citizens.
While hailed in some circles as progressive and inclusive, the draft constitution is likely to be voted down, according to the latest opinion polls.
The plebiscite, which is mandatory for all those eligible, is also said to be a make-or-break moment for Chile’s recently elected left-wing President Gabriel Boric, whose popularity has plunged since he took office in March.
Voting began at 8am local time (12:00 GMT) and ends at 6pm (22:00 GMT), unless there are voters still in line. Results are expected within a few hours after voting is completed.
Source : Aljazeera
