What steps did Chile take to transition to democracy after Pinochet?

Chile transitioned to democracy after Pinochet through a national plebiscite, constitutional reforms, and free and fair elections.

In 1988, a national plebiscite was held in Chile to determine whether General Augusto Pinochet would remain in power for another eight years. The plebiscite was a result of international pressure and internal demands for democratic reforms. The 'No' campaign, which was against Pinochet's continuation in power, won with approximately 56% of the votes. This marked the beginning of the end of Pinochet's military dictatorship and the start of Chile's transition to democracy.

Following the plebiscite, a series of constitutional reforms were initiated. These reforms were aimed at dismantling the authoritarian enclaves that Pinochet had embedded in the 1980 Constitution. The reforms included the reduction of the presidential term from eight to six years, the elimination of appointed senators, and the establishment of the principle of full political pluralism. These reforms were approved in a 1989 referendum, further paving the way for democratic governance.

In December 1989, Chile held its first free and fair elections since 1973. Patricio Aylwin of the Christian Democratic Party won the presidential election, marking the first time in 16 years that the country would be led by a democratically elected leader. The peaceful transition of power from Pinochet to Aylwin was a significant step in Chile's journey towards democracy.

In the years that followed, Chile continued to strengthen its democratic institutions. The military's role in politics was significantly reduced, and efforts were made to address human rights abuses committed during the Pinochet era. The Rettig Commission and the Valech Commission were established to investigate and document these abuses, and their findings led to reparations for victims and the prosecution of some of those responsible.

In summary, Chile's transition to democracy after Pinochet was a multi-step process that involved a national plebiscite, constitutional reforms, and free and fair elections. These steps were complemented by efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and address past human rights abuses.