Chile. The Pinochet dictatorship, under internal and external pressure (from the United States), calls a plebiscite to potentially extend Pinochet’s rule until 1997. This time, however, Pinochet miscalculates. The United States supports the opposition, and international observers are sent to monitor the election. The “No” vote wins with 58% of the vote. Pinochet initially attempts to deny the validity of the result, but is then persuaded to accept it. It is noteworthy that 42% of the voters still voted in favor of the dictator. Democracy has returned to Chile, albeit with heavy compromises with the military.
