Back in December, I recall seeing a brief mention in the WSJ that a primary election in Chile had led to an historic run-off between the two moderate candidates vying for President in Chile. I was happy to see that the January run-off was between moderates, as more dynamic persons have come to power in Bolivia, Barzil, Venezuela, and now perhaps Peru. (leading some to question if Latin America is reverting to Populism)
Even more significant than the run-off for a simple majority was the fact that the lead candidate, one Michelle Bachelet, was contending to be the first female Presidente(a) of Chile. Note that Chile has had to debate the fact that the word Presidente is in the masculine tense, fueling the suggestion that it is time for Webster´s to add Presidenta as well. Debate on this subject was stifled once Bachelet´s theme song was scripted to rhyme with Presidente. (Bachelet (soft T) & Presidente go nicely together)
Representing the middle ground of the left leaning wing of the political spectrum, Bachelet was seeking to gain favor with Liberals, Populists, Communists, and even a few progressive moderates in there. Hailing from the party of the outgoing president (Lagos), Ms Bachelet enjoyed the support of a wildly successful outgoing administration.
Running against her was one Sebastin Piñera, a wealthy businessman from the conservative party (la derecha) who did not hesitate to remind folks that Ms. Bachelet enjoyed neither high levels of education nor possessed the Catholic faith shared by he and 70% of Chileans. As Ms. Bachelet also parented a couple of children out of wedlock (with different men), but also had a father tortured under the Pinochet regime, we saw a very intriguing candidate and the makings of quite a spectacle.
Unfortunately, the Chileans have a much more civilized democratic process, and other than one late night television debate and a couple of well-attended rallies, Bachelet carried the day in spite of the concern expressed by many of the more well-heeled folks we´ve met in town. Turns out the left leaners have won every election since Pinochet stepped down in 1990, so the results should not have surprised.
In spite of that, after election results were announced last nite around 6pm (Chileans vote on sundays with 70% turn-out on a day treated like a national holiday), Bachelet supporters took to the streets throughout the nation to celebrate a decisive 53%-47% win. In Vina del Mar for the weekend, Blake & I appreciated the banners and horn honking (as well as the strong police present and absence of alcohol sales as well).
So there you go. Politics are alive and well in Chile, and it´s been fun to sample process down here.
No comments:
Post a Comment