14. Constitutional Resurrection

The rejection of Chile’s 2022 constitutional proposal posed a precarious position for the Boric administration, which was forced to decide whether to abandon the reform process or attempt a second effort with substantially reduced political capital. Despite the magnitude of the defeat, the government viewed the continuation of constitutional reform as a political necessity and moral imperative and cited the enduring mandate from the 2020 plebiscite. This chapter explores the immediate fallout due to the rejection with a focus on the strategic recalibration of the administration and the complex negotiations that occurred between a weakened left and a newly emboldened right. Furthermore, it examines the structural changes implemented during the second constitutional process, including the exclusion of independents, a smaller assembly, and the introduction of expert committees, thus reflecting lessons learned from the failure of the first attempt. Finally, it analyzes the results of the 2023 Constitutional Council election, which marked a decisive victory for the right that reshaped the political landscape and signaled a shift in voter sentiment. The chapter underscores the influence of political pragmatism and compromise on Chile’s second constitutional attempt and presents broader insights into the challenges of rebuilding public trust, balancing ideological divides, and sustaining momentum for reform in polarized landscapes.