Reforma al Sistema Electoral Binominal en Chile: un primer paso para la incorporación efectiva a las mujeres en política

• In Event: Public Policy, Reforms and Institutions in Chile

Abstract

In 2014, Chile’s binomial electoral system was eventually modified after thirty-five previous attempts. The persistence of this electoral regime for over two decades turned political competition into a process to transform votes into political seats. The political elite got used to this system making it difficult to change the rules of the game. The effects of this system eventually consolidated a strongly institutionalised party system albeit lacking roots and legitimacy (Luna & Altman, 2011). Meanwhile, Congress remained predominantly masculine, homogeneous, limiting the access of women as well as indigenous groups and other minority groups. The electoral reform tried to bring about a more inclusive system, with more friendly features for the inclusion of women. In the drafting of the reform, one can see positive discrimination measures such as proportional representation (PR), women’s quotas for the registration of candidates, and economic incentives. The objective of this paper is to analyse why these measures were considered necessary within the electoral reform to elect representatives. The paper looks at the presence of women within parties and the legislature during this process, and at the role of pre-existing barriers to their participation. It describes how these new measures succeeded in uniting female members of parliament across the political spectrum during the legislative process. The paper concludes by analysing the measures for positive discrimination approved and discusses the impact they might have in the future.

Author

• Javiera J Arce