Chile's Boric calls for referendum on second new constitution proposal

Chile's Boric calls for referendum on second new constitution proposal

Chilean President Gabriel Boric on Tuesday called for a national plebiscite on a second proposal to replace the country's dictatorship-era constitution.

The document was finalized last week by a Constitutional Council charged with drafting the text and dominated by right-wing forces.

A first attempt to replace the constitution was dominated by left-wing forces and independents and failed.

"The plebiscite on December 17 is officially called and I invite all our compatriots to inform themselves and participate," Boric said at a ceremony in Santiago.

"I fully trust the wisdom of the Chilean people."

A majority of voters plan to reject the proposed text, the latest polls show, but the gap in views has narrowed in recent weeks.

Beatriz Hevia, the right-wing president of the now-dissolved Constitutional Council, said the proposal "finally has the capacity to end institutional and political uncertainty, strengthen the rule of law and legal certainty, and provides the necessary tools to reactivate our economy."

In a report released in late October, S&P revised its outlook of Chile, citing weak political consensus.

"We could lower our ratings on Chile over the next 24 months if, following the conclusion of the constitutional redrafting process, political impasses persist," the report said.

Boric's government, which backed the first proposal, said it will not push for a third constitutional rewrite.

If the document is rejected in December, the current text which dates back to the 1973-1990 military dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet, will remain in force.