The proposal has provoked strong opposition both from the conservative right that defends the status quo and from the most radical indigenous people, who demand their own independent nation. 12.8% of the 20 million Chileans identify themselves as indigenous.
Below we explain this concept and why it became one of the key points of the campaigns for the exit plebiscite, in which 15 million Chileans are obliged to participate this Sunday, September 4.
What does the proposed Constitution say about the Plurinational State?
The proposed new constitution recognizes that the Chilean State “is multinational, intercultural, regional and ecological”, from article 1.
In article 5, the proposal indicates that “Chile recognizes the coexistence of various peoples and nations within the framework of the unity of the State.” The recognized indigenous peoples and nations are the Mapuche, Aymara, Rapanui, Lickanantay, Quechua, Colla, Diaguita , Chango, Kawésqar, Yagán, Selk’nam and others that may be recognized in the manner established by law.
If this constitutional text is approved, the Chilean State will have the duty to “respect, promote, protect and guarantee the exercise of self-determination, collective and individual rights.”
In addition, it must guarantee their participation “in the exercise and distribution of power, incorporating their political representation in popularly elected bodies at the community, regional and national levels.”