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Chile constitution: Far-right party biggest in new assembly


The far-right Republican party has finished first in an election to choose the members of the body tasked with drawing up Chile's new constitution.

The Republican party won 22 out of the 51 seats, with right-wing parties winning another 11 seats.


The constitutional assembly is to come up with a new constitution to replace the one brought in during the military rule of Gen Augusto Pinochet.

A draft by a previous assembly was rejected in a referendum last year.


The first assembly had been dominated by progressive members and many Chileans found their proposals too radical.

The constitution they had proposed would have changed many of the country's institutions, such as replacing the Senate with a Chamber of Regions.


It also would have declared Chile a "plurinational state", recognising the rights of Chile's indigenous groups - which make up about 13% of the population - to their lands and resources.


The failed proposal - which had the backing of left-wing President Gabriel Boric - also included improved social benefits and environmental rights.


Had it been passed, it would have become one of the world's most progressive constitutions.

But in September 2022, 62% of voters rejected it, prompting Sunday's election for a new assembly.


There were 50 seats up for grabs, with an additional seat reserved for a representative from Chile's indigenous population.

The Republican Party, led by José Antonio Kast, won more than 35% of the votes and secured 22 seats.

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