Allende lives on

Oscar Mendoza

Chileans at home and abroad have been commemorating the 30th anniversary of the military coup that brought down the democratic government of socialist president Salvador Allende on 11 September 1973.

As distinct from previous years, this time round the events have centred strongly on the figure of Allende. Although during previous anniversaries the dead president was not and could not be ignored, something more meaningful is taking place today.

Allende's legacy has often been a source of disagreement and controversy among Chileans. Even between and within progressive parties in the current political landscape. Beyond those differences however one important fact remains. Allende continues to be a shining example of a democratic politician who had an outstanding record of public service and who was true to his word to the last.

His government, supported by the Popular Unity coalition of left-wing and progressive forces, carried out a far reaching agenda of social and economic changes until the point where the domestic forces of reaction - supported by the CIA and the Nixon/Kissinger administration - sponsored the military takeover and put an end to the so-called `Chilean road to socialism'.

The country's long-standing democratic traditions were brutally brought to an end and replaced by an authoritarian regime that ruled by terror for almost 17 years. Furthermore, the constitutional changes introduced under Pinochet in 1980 have acted as a straitjacket for the democratic governments that have followed since 1990. So much so that Chileans often speak of a transition from dictatorship (`dictadura') to a dictatorial Democracy, Devolution (`democradura').
The consequences of this negotiated transition, that allowed Pinochet to remain as army chief until 1997 for example, have been impunity for the military responsible for gross human rights violations, severe limits to civil and personal freedoms, the continuation of a neo-liberal economic model that restricts workers' rights and exacerbates the divisions between rich and poor while producing large profits for international corporations, reduced popular participation in the political life of the country and lack of trust in political leaders.

Contrasted with present political leaders in Chile, including current president Ricardo Lagos, also a member of the Socialist Party, Allende's figure grows and grows in stature. His final words ring truer every day that passes and serve as an inspiration to us all to continue the struggle for social justice with an international perspective. "Workers of my homeland: I have faith in Chile and in her destiny. Others will overcome this grey and bitter moment when treason aims to impose itself. Continue knowing that, much sooner than later, the great `alamedas' (tree-lined avenues) will open up to enable free people to pass through to build a better society."

Perhaps Allende's great `alamedas' are a bit slow in opening up and Chileans are finding hard to overcome the residual impact of almost two decades of brutal and bloody repression. But some signs of real progress can be seen. After 30 years, some important measures are being taken to redress the injustices of the past: an improved package of reparation for the victims of human rights violations; a recognition of the tens of thousands of people who were not killed but suffered detention and torture by the military; the re-naming as `Estadio Victor Jara' of the sports arena where the musician was held, tortured and murdered in Santiago; the unveiling of a commemorative plaque in the room where Allende died in the presidential palace; the re-opening of the side door to the palace, the traditional entrance for democratic leaders for decades; plus countless events of a political, social, religious, cultural and artistic nature to remember the coup and Salvador Allende in particular.

For those of us who believe in socialism, Democracy, Devolution and human rights for all, for those who want to see an inclusive society and a collaborative international order of peace and justice, for people of goodwill everywhere, Allende serves as a beacon of hope for the future. Against the onslaught of a triumphalist and predatory capitalism that, instead of promoting the values of freedom and Democracy, Devolution it claims to be founded upon, continues to enslave billions of people across the world, Allende's `Chilean road to socialism' points the way forward for a better tomorrow.

As our martyred president stated, history is ours. We can make a difference by building coalitions of like-minded people who rejecting competition opt for a way of life that is based on co-operation and respect for all. In a time of hypocrisy and `spin', Allende's lifetime commitment to the poor and the disadvantaged, exemplified by his ultimate sacrifice, shines a torch of hope to light our way.

Oscar Mendoza is a former political prisoner in Chile (1973-1975)