The Pinochet dictatorship emphasized international investment and centralized control of industry, which grew the economy unevenly, leaving the lower class in poverty while the upper class thrived. Pinochet’s dictatorship also used oppressive police tactics against the Chilean people, which widened the divide between social classes. Today, there is massive economic inequality in Chile, and although poverty reduction programs have been successful in eliminating extreme hardship, overall inequality has not been addressed. Additionally, gender inequality, racial inequality among indigenous populations, and other issues led to Estadillo Social, a wave of protests in 2019 that advanced the referendum for a constitutional convention. Issues with water access, which Pinochet privatized, and the COVID-19 pandemic have continued to complicate these issues.

General Pinochet’s dictatorship created several constitutional provisions designed to limit political participation, delegate excessive power to the presidency, and election rules for the legislature and appointment rules for the judiciary that ensured Pinochet’s party would be able to stack both branches in their favor. Additionally, the 1980 constitution placed little emphasis on specific rights protections, allowing the dictatorship to engage in human rights violations. Today, these defects have manifested in the police response to Estadillo Social, in which the brutality of the military police drew international criticism, and excessive government power was a part of the popular criticism of the Piñera government that led to the passing of the constitutional referendum. Policing reform and clearer rights protections are both potential solutions for these issues.

Preston, a senior at Maggie Walker, is looking forward to meeting everyone and can’t wait to get started with this committee. He has attended Model UN conferences since eighth grade and has since served as a vice chair and co-chair. Besides Model UN, Preston enjoys participating in Spanish Club, the International Language Fair, and the volleyball and swim teams at Maggie Walker. Some of his favorite out-of-school activities are playing volleyball, hanging out with friends, and spending time with his dog. He is really excited to co-chair for this conference and knows all the delegates will be amazing!

Jackson DeHaven is a senior at Maggie Walker, and is excited to serve as a chair for the Chilean Constitutional Convention for his third year in Model UN and second year at GSMUN. Outside of Model UN, Jackson competes on Maggie Walker’s We the People Team, works as an intern at the Central Virginia Legal Aid Society, and works as a tutor. He enjoys playing piano, traveling, and sleeping. He is looking forward to a great committee at GSMUN this year!