Innovations of the Constituent Convention in Chile: The Perspective From Public Participation and Environmental Rights

Abstract

This paper, written by a group of participants of the Rapporteurship of Popular Participation of the Chilean Constituent Convention, shows innovative approaches of the ongoing constituent process in Chile, which started in 2021. It explores innovations both in the form and substance of the process, which is a landmark in the constitutional history of the country. A brief context of the background of the constituent process is provided, and then some innovations concerning the constituent body are discussed. Special attention is given to the process of electronic participation regarding voting on popular norm initiatives. Then, concerning substantive innovations, it focuses on environmental and climate change norms, with some final remarks on the future of water regulation contained in the draft of the new Chilean constitution.