Senate Constitution Commission approves indication that delivers 23 additional seats to indigenous peoples in the Constitutional Convention

From 7:00 p.m. this Thursday the Commission on Constitution, Legislation, Justice and Senate Regulations to settle the reform that seeks to reserve seats for representatives of native peoples in the Constitutional Convention. At 11:00 pm the session had not yet concluded.

The debate centered on the formula to incorporate the representatives and decide whether to establish a number of additional seats to the 155 contemplated in the convention, or to determine that a fixed number of indigenous representatives should be included among the 155 members of the instance.

“We thought we had an agreement, we are very sorry that this is not happening“Said during the discussion the Senator of National Renovation Rodrigo Galilea. The ruling party proposed a 10% indigenous representation in the convention, with 15 seats among the 155 conventional constituents.

Emphasizing that indigenous representation at the convention is a “historic step”, UDI Senator Luz Eliana Ebensperger stated that “We have differences in the formula, differences that are legitimate, but we have made every attempt to reach an agreement”. The legislator emphasized that the number of members of the convention should be 155 conventional constituents and not increase the number, arguing that that was what was agreed on November 15, 2019 in the Agreement for Social Peace and New Constitution.

The pro-government proposal was rejected by the opposition legislators, the Socialist Party senator Alfonso de Urresti, the independent Pedro Araya and the DC senator Francisco Huenchumilla.

“We advocate reaching a number that allows adequate representation,” argued Senator Araya, insisting that it is sought a reform that will provide seats “in sufficient quantity to the native peoples”.

As Senator Huenchumilla explained, to be approved in the Chamber of the Upper House, the reform needs the approval of 26 senators (quorum of 3/5). “Probably not going to be the 26 votes that are required”, Commented the senator for La Araucanía, insisting on the need to”an agreement that enables and gives viability”To the standard. The opposition proposal included 23 additional seats for indigenous representatives, for a total of 178 conventional constituents. 14 of those additional seats would be for the Mapuche people, another two for the Aymara and the remaining seven would be for the other peoples.

The opposition’s indication was approved by three votes in favor and two against. Senator Luz Eliana Ebensperger made a reservation of constitutionality.

The debate will continue in the Senate Chamber and then in the Chamber of Deputies.

On Wednesday the commission received indigenous representatives to address the issue. The Mapuche, Aymara, Rapa Nui, Atacameño, Quechua, Colla, Diaguita, Kawésqar and Yagán peoples would have seats. The incorporation of Changos, Selk’nam and Afro-descendants is discussed.

The bill was approved in general by the Chamber of the Upper House on July 7, with 34 votes in favor, four against and four abstentions. The rule approved three months ago stated that representatives would be elected by a simple majority in a single district nationwide, until the number of reserved seats was completed. However, the articles did not establish the number of seats.

A formula was also analyzed to guarantee the inclusion of people with disabilities in the instance that will prepare a new fundamental letter for Chile.