Former member of the Chilean Constitutional Convention, Miguel Ángel Botto, evaluates the work done by the entity during the past year. He highlights the best points of the new text and reflects on the dialogue during the process. He also explains his vote in the upcoming plebiscite on Sept. 4.
What did you like about the constitutional process? And what do you believe was missed?
Without a doubt, the fact that the different sectors from our society were represented, and the parity approach that the process had. On the other hand, we missed more dialogue, believing less that we were the owners of the absolute truth. We lacked humility and the understanding that this Constitution was meant to be for everyone.
Some criticized the Constitutional Convention, for example, for a lack of dialogue or because some groups had the last word. Do you think these claims are true?
Regarding some topics, effectively there was a lack of communication, and the ideas of the left were the primaries, due to the agreement between the “Lista del Pueblo,” the social movements, and the indigenous people. They finally did what they first threatened: they became a third party that blocked the discussion. The Broad Front and the Socialist Party didn’t have enough leadership to confront this group.
What do you think are the best qualities of the final text?
Without a doubt the biggest characteristics of the new Constitution are the regionalization, the social rights, the fact that now animals are considered as sentient beings, the recognition and focus on nature. Also, I would like to highlight authors’ and adapters’ rights. I believe those are the most important qualities that the final text has, and they are the reason why I will vote for Apruebo, but approve to reform.
President Gabriel Boric proposed the idea of having another election for a Constitutional Convention, in case the Rechazo option wins. What is your position?
I agree with the approach by President Boric. If Rechazo wins, a new convention should be convened. And I hope that for this opportunity the public will be able to analyze the candidates, because the social movements ended up being the most extreme groups during the constitutional discussion. Personally, I stuck to the center and I kept the promise of participating to reach agreements.
Independent from the possible result of the Sept. 4 plebiscite, what do you hope for the future of the country?
After the election I look for Congress to be able to reach agreements. They have the same legitimacy as the Constitutional Convention, to make the necessary changes to the text. In case Rechazo wins the plebiscite, we must work for the inclusion of author’s rights, the animal focus, the regionalization of the country, the recognition of indigenous peoples, water rights, and others in the existing Constitution.
Catalina Vergara is graduated in Social Communications from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. She has previously worked on Strategic Communications.