election process
LETTERS FROM AMERICA Terremotos
Terremotos: Politics; A Two Party System?
Jan 10, 2000. When we visit Chile, staying for several months, there is often an interesting or unusual event, whether political, economic, cultural or even physical, as in a terremoto, (earthquake). Usually these are merely moderate temblores, although in 1985 a grade 7+ quake struck the port area of San Antonio with much structural damage, and in 1951 a grade 8+ earthquake altered the course of the Bio Bio River, carrying thousands of people to a watery grave.
A few years ago at the beach house where we stay, the chimney was toppled through the roof into the living room. In 1980 a political quake, a new constitution, was solidly approved by plebiscite. It is still in effect; though not completely “democratic” because, like the English House of Lords, some senators are “designated” rather than elected. These include ex-presidents, Supreme Court retired chief justices, and one senator from each military branch. Nonetheless, it appears that during a dangerous transition from military junta to democracy, the constitution has contributed to stability, preventing the extreme swings so often seen in such situations.
Sobrante 