Polls: Voters Still Against New Constitution As Review Phase Nears End

Latest opinion polling from Chile shows voters still opposed to the proposed new constitution, although by a narrower margin than in previous surveys. The poll comes as the three finalising commissions (one for consolidating and fine-tuning of text, another to write the introductory text, and a third to create a plan for transition from old constitution to new) are set to conclude their work on 4 July, when they will deliver a new draft charter to the Constitutional Convention.

• Activa/Pulso Ciudadano poll: "With the information you have at this time, would you vote to Approve or Reject the proposed new Constitution?": Approve: 41.5% (+2.8), Reject: 58.5% (-2.8). (+/- vs. 23-27 May). Fieldwork: 6-10 June 2022. Sample size: 1,247
• The final, mandatory referendum on the constitution due on 4 September. Should the referendum fail it will be a major blow to leftist President Gabriel Boric, who has placed significant political capital on the passage of a maximalist, progressive constitution to replace the Pinochet-era Magna Carta.
• The main focus of the new constitution is on the enshrining of rights to minority groups and women, but also it contains provisions that could impact economic and market operations. The presidential term is kept at four years, but incumbents can run for one more second term (at present they can only serve up to two non-consecutive terms). The Senate would be replaced with a Chamber of Regions.
• Regarding mining operations, the Americas Society/Council of the Americas writes that under the new constitution while the gov't would not be given mining rights over lithium, hydrocarbons and rare earth metals, nor majority ownership of Chile's copper mines, "mining will be subject to new regulation and environmental oversight."