Chile’s newly elected Constitutional Council has approved a final draft of a new constitution, marking the culmination of a year-long process to replace the country’s dictatorship-era charter. The vote occurred despite ongoing protests in Santiago and other cities, reflecting deep societal divisions over the proposed text. The draft is considered significantly more conservative than the previous proposal rejected by voters in 2022, with critics raising concerns about potential rollbacks in social rights and environmental protections. The new constitution includes provisions strengthening family structures and limiting abortion access, issues that sparked considerable debate. A national plebiscite is scheduled for December 17th, where Chilean citizens will decide whether to adopt the new constitution. If approved, it will replace the current constitution enacted in 1980 under Augusto Pinochet’s rule. The outcome of the plebiscite remains uncertain, with polls indicating a close race.