While Chile's upcoming constitutional referendum is unlikely to drastically change the country's socio-economic model, it highlights ideological divisions that will create long-term political and economic uncertainty in the country. On Dec. 17, Chile will hold a mandatory referendum to approve a new constitution, its second such referendum in two years. Millions of voters will decide whether to adopt a controversial document written by a majority right-wing Constitutional Council. After five months of drafting, the council delivered the final draft to President Gabriel Boric on Nov. 6. The document has faced criticism for including business-friendly economic policies similar to the current constitution, as well as controversial articles that could further restrict abortion access in Chile and expel thousands of illegal immigrants from the country. According to CADEM polling released Nov. 12, only 32% of Chileans plan to vote in favor of the new constitution while 50% plan to reject it, with...
