Bachelet aims for landslide win, but Chile's dictatorship-era system could block reforms
Bachelet aims for landslide win, but Chile's dictatorship-era system could block reforms
By Luis Andres Henao, The Associated Press November 17, 2013 1:03 AM
SANTIAGO, Chile - Chileans were preparing to return Michelle Bachelet to the presidency on Sunday, hoping she can fulfil promises to reform a dictatorship-era system they blame for keeping the working classes poor and indebted to the privileged few.
Chile is the world's top copper producer and its fast-growing economy, low unemployment and stable democracy are the envy of Latin America. But millions of its citizens have taken to the streets in recent years, venting their frustration over the huge wealth gap between the rich and poor and a chronically underfunded education system.
Many voters blame policies imposed during Gen. Augusto Pinochet's dictatorship for keeping wealth and power in very few hands. His regime privatized natural resources and many government functions and ended the central control and funding of public schools.
Bachelet, 62, is a former political prisoner, pediatrician, defence secretary and Socialist Party stalwart who is a centrist at heart.
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