The architects of Chile’s new constitution have chosen an Indigenous Mapuche woman to lead the process, as the country’s constitutional assembly was inaugurated on Sunday in the capital, Santiago.
University professor and activist for Mapuche educational and linguistic rights Elisa Loncon, a 58-year-old independent constituent, was picked by 96 of 155 delegates, including 17 Indigenous people, who make up the constitutional body.
Mapuche woman to lead body drafting Chile’s new constitution | Indigenous Rights News | Al Jazeera
![Indigenous academic and activist Elisa Loncon was elected as president of the Constituent Convention during the body's first session on July 4 in Santiago [Javier Torres/AFP]](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/000_9DX2R3.jpg?resize=770%2C513)
Indigenous academic and activist Elisa Loncon was elected as president of the Constituent Convention during the body’s first session on July 4 in Santiago [Javier Torres/AFP]