1990 Chilean transition to democracy

The 1990 Chilean transition to democracy marked the end of Augusto Pinochet’s military dictatorship, which began in 1973. After years of repression, Chileans voted in a 1988 national plebiscite to reject extending Pinochet’s rule. This led to democratic elections in 1989, where Patricio Aylwin was elected president. In 1990, Pinochet transferred power peacefully, restoring civilian government. The transition involved dismantling authoritarian institutions, establishing new democratic laws, and promoting human rights, allowing Chile to rebuild its political system and re-engage internationally as a democracy.