Kast, Boric, and the Armed Forces

El Mostrador, November 26, 2021

The Constitution does not distinguish between Kast and Boric when it comes to the use of institutions, and in this regard, it is quite wise. It is very clear about the roles and purposes of National Defense and the institutions that comprise it. While it is highly unlikely that either candidate, if elected, would evade the rules and bypass constitutional norms, this does not mean that the Armed Forces will allow it. The Armed Forces are disciplined, obedient, and non-deliberative, and above all, they are obedient to the Constitution and will not follow unconstitutional instructions, regardless of the source.

I have heard people say that they will not vote for José Antonio Kast because he will govern by using the Armed Forces for all the ills that affect us, particularly for internal security purposes in the Southern Macrozone, to maintain order, control transnational crime, drug trafficking, and safeguard the borders, in order to prevent the significant immigration we have experienced in recent years, which originates from the failed state of Venezuela.

What Kast may or may not do with the Armed Forces is no more than what the Constitution allows him, which is currently regulated by the provisions regarding Constitutional States of Exception, and which is extremely clear about when and how they can be used, who must authorize them, and the timeframes that govern these purposes.

The Constitution does not distinguish between Kast and Boric when it comes to the use of institutions, and in this regard, it is quite wise. It is very clear about the roles and purposes of National Defense and the institutions that comprise it, which are none other than the protection and safeguarding of the national interest wherever it may be located, with the national interest potentially being located within national territory due to the catastrophes that affect us, or when law enforcement forces are overwhelmed by the violence of individuals with interests contrary to the Chilean State and Nation.

The former constituents, and I hope the new ones will be as well, have always sought to regulate the use of the Armed Forces very well, but above all, to prevent the potential misuse by the current Executive. This is to avoid their use for self-perpetuation or for interest groups to attempt to capture or neutralize them to gain power.

There is nothing new in this; the Romans were clear when they established that the legions could not cross the Rubicon River, and they were so clear that Julius Caesar violated that norm when he seized power and ended the period of the republic.

While it is highly unlikely that either candidate, if elected, would evade the rules and bypass constitutional norms, this does not mean that the Armed Forces will allow it. The Armed Forces are disciplined, obedient, and non-deliberative, and above all, they are obedient to the Constitution and will not follow unconstitutional instructions, regardless of the source.

The perception of order and discipline associated with Kast comes from his image and history, while the opposite may apply to Boric, but for both it applies that another thing is with a guitar, and this guitar does not allow itself to be played unless the required permissions and authorizations are obtained.

In conclusion, I express my concern about the extensive use of the Armed Forces in the Southern Macrozone, something that is legal as authorized by Congress, but which is ineffective if not accompanied by social, economic, political, and police actions that address the underlying problems. Having the Armed Forces deployed in the area may neutralize the effects, but it does not correct the problems.

Richard Kouyoumdjian
Vice President, AthenaLab