Far away from power. Towards the implementation of a quota system law in Chile

Abstract

This essay intends to justify, from the point of view of equality —as it has been stated in the Chilean Constitution— a system of electoral quotas that helps to reverse the limited participation of women in public life. The paper describes the basic concepts of discrimination and affirmative action. In addition, it analyzes the principle of equality and the positive results of quotas systems in countries such as Argentina and Costa Rica. Finally, it studies the possible application of a quotas law in the Chilean electoral system.