Chileans Reject Conservative-Backed Constitution, Opt for Change

Chilean voters have rejected a proposed conservative-written constitution to replace the current Pinochet-era set of laws, with 55.8% opposed and 44.2% in favor. The new charter, drafted largely by conservatives, was criticized for being more conservative than the existing one, aiming to deepen free-market principles and potentially limit women's rights. The defeat means that the Pinochet-era constitution will remain in effect, despite previous calls for a more progressive charter.