Chile Votes For Body To Rewrite Dictatorship-Era Constitution

Chileans on Sunday headed to the polls in a second day of voting to elect 155 people who will rewrite the country’s dictatorship-era constitution.

Some 14 million people were eligible to vote this weekend in what many consider to be Chile’s most important election since its return to democracy 31 years ago.

According to the country’s Electoral Service over three million people, or approximately 20.4 percent of the electorate, cast their ballot Saturday,

After casting his ballot in the capital Santiago, President Sebastian Pinera expressed hope that they would have a constitution that captures the soul of the nation.

Many are reportedly voting for a system that “works for everyone, allowing all voices to be heard” and ensuring “that rights and duties are really fair for all human beings.”

Chile’s constitution dates from 1980, enacted at the height of dictator Augusto Pinochet’s 1973-1990 rule, and is widely blamed for blocking equitable progress in the country.

Analysts say the election will be a battle between candidates from parties on the left and the right, with independents not expected to draw any meaningful support.

Parties on the left broadly seek greater state control of mineral and other natural resources and more public spending on education, health, pensions and social welfare.

Those on the right, with a nod to the need to boost social support, largely defend the capitalist, free-market system they thank for Chile’s decades of economic growth.