Democracy in The Contemporary World – Chile (Part 1)
Salvador Allende
Salvador Allende was the founder leader of Socialist Party of Chile.
He led the Popular Unity Coalition to victory in the presidential elections of 1970, after which he became the president of Chile.
He introduced several policies to help the poor & the workers.
In 11th September 1973, his government was overthrown by the military & he was killed in the Military Coup.
Policies of Salvador Allende
After becoming the president of Chile, Allende had taken several policy decisions to help the poor & the workers.
Military Coup of 1973
The strong opposition against Allende & his policies led to the military coup of 1973.
On 11th September 1973, the military asked Allende to resign or leave the country, but he refused and knowing the danger he addressed to the people of Chile through radio.
After which, the military started bombing the presidential palace of Chile (La Moneda) where he died.
A democratic government of Allende was overthrown by the military through violence & conspiracy in a military coup.
The government of U.S.A. was unhappy with Allende’s rule and is known to have supported and funded activities that led to the military coup.
General Augusto Pinochet’s Rule
Augusto Pinochet was a Chilean Army General, he led the military coup of 1973.
Pinochet then became the president of Chile, and ruled the country for the next 15-17 years.
Military dictatorship was established in Chile, the military did as they wished and no one could question them.
Pinochet’s government tortured and killed several of those who supported Allende and those who wanted democracy to be restored.
Genral Alberto Bachelet, of the Chilean Air Force and many other officers who refuced to join the coup were killed.
Bachelet’s wife & daughter were put in prison and tortured.
Restoration of Democracy
Pinochet’s military dictatorship came to an end after he decided to hold a referendum in 1988.
The referendum was held to decide whether Augusto Pinochet should continue his rule or not. The voter turnout was 100% and 56% of them opposed him by voting “NO”.
Thereafter, Pinochet lost his political and then his military powers.
Slowly, the role of army in the country’s government was eliminated.
Political freedom was restored in Chile, Since then Chile had held over 4 presidential elections in which different political parties have participated.
General Bachelet’s daughter, Michelle Bachelet, was elected President of Chile in January 2006 after defeating one of Chile’s richest men.
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