World Notes CHILE

Chile's long democratic tradition was finally back on track last week after a 16-year hiatus. In the first presidential election since the bloody 1973 coup that ousted Marxist Salvador Allende Gossens and brought General Augusto Pinochet Ugarte to power, voters elected Patricio Aylwin, 71, a Christian Democrat. As soon as Aylwin's victory seemed assured, thousands of citizens poured into the streets in jubilant celebration. Said Aylwin: "Chile has again taken destiny into its own hands."

A former Senator who ran as head of a 17-party center-left coalition, Aylwin received 55.2% of the vote, easily defeating both a right-wing candidate backed by Pinochet and a populist businessman. Pinochet, whose attempt to retain power was rebuffed last year in a national plebiscite, is scheduled to step down March 11. But by staying on as Commander in Chief of the army for at least eight years, he will keep a hand on the reins.