World IN BRIEF : CHILE : Municipal Elections First Since 1971
From Times Staff and Wire Reports
Chile held its first municipal elections in 21 years, with the government viewing them as a referendum on its goal to strip former dictator Gen. Augusto Pinochet of military power. Turnout was expected to be high despite cold weather. President Patricio Aylwin, who succeeded Pinochet in 1990, said a victory for pro-government candidates would bolster his ability to win democratic reforms. He wants to drop a constitutional clause preventing him from firing military commanders.
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