1988 Chilean national plebiscite

A nationwide vote held on October 5, 1988, in which Chileans rejected extending Augusto Pinochet’s rule, setting the country on a path to democratic elections.

No campaign: The coalition campaign that urged Chileans to vote against extending Pinochet’s rule in the 1988 plebiscite. Its upbeat television strategy helped turn opposition into a visible, nationwide majority.
1980 Constitution of Chile: Chile’s constitution, approved under military rule, that established a plebiscite on Pinochet’s continuation in office. Its transitional provisions created the vote that forced the regime to seek renewed authorization.
Augusto Pinochet: The Chilean army commander who ruled as dictator from 1973 and was the candidate for continuation in the 1988 plebiscite. The ballot asked whether he would remain president for another term.
1989 Chilean general election: The election that selected Chile’s president and legislature before the return to civilian government in 1990. The plebiscite’s rejection of Pinochet opened the way for this election.
Yes campaign: The campaign urging voters to approve another eight-year presidential term for Augusto Pinochet. Its defeat showed that the regime could not secure public consent through the vote.
Chilean military dictatorship: The authoritarian government led by Augusto Pinochet from the 1973 coup until the democratic transition beginning in 1990. The plebiscite tested whether this dictatorship could extend its rule through its own constitutional process.
Patricio Aylwin: A Chilean Christian Democratic politician who became the first elected president after the dictatorship. He helped lead the opposition coalition that turned the plebiscite result into a transition.
Chilean transition to democracy: The negotiated process through which Chile moved from military dictatorship to elected civilian government around 1990. The plebiscite was the pivotal electoral turning point in this transition.
Electoral Service of Chile: Chile’s national body responsible for administering and certifying elections and referendums. Its publication of results helped establish confidence in the plebiscite’s outcome.
1973 Chilean coup d'état: The military overthrow of President Salvador Allende that brought Augusto Pinochet’s regime to power. The regime whose continuation was put to a vote began with this coup.

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