This weekend is historic for Chile, in so many ways. We will have elections in two days (May 15 and 16) where we will elect a new authority for the regions (Governor) and, of course, we will take a new and decisive step in the constituent process. As we have already mentioned in our communication channels, free elections are the mechanism to make our society more robust, and the wide participation is a sign of a healthy democracy. Therefore, we want to congratulate two groups of alumni for the role that they will play in this election process.

First of all, with all our hearts, we congratulate the fellows who, in an act of deep appreciation for democratic values, have taken on the difficult mission of carrying out candidacies for the different available spaces. Just to mention a few examples, we highlight Germán Codina (IVLP) and Carolina Leitao (IVLP), candidates for mayor of the municipalities of Puente Alto and Peñañolén, respectively. To the candidates for councilor Cristian Keupuchur (IVLP, Cerrillos) and Nicolás Riquelme (Science Camp, Pudahuel). Or to the constituent candidates, Vianney Sierralta (IVLP) for District 3 (Antofagasta, Calama, María Elena, Mejillones, Ollagüe, San Pedro de Atacama, Sierra Gorda, Taltal, Tocopilla) and Bernardo de la Maza Bañados (Fulbright - Hubert Humphrey) through District 8 (Central Station, Lampa, Cerrillos, Colina, Pudahuel, Maipú, Tiltil, Quilicura). Their examples should make our alumni community proud, because despite all the difficulties faced in these recent times, on a professional and personal level, they have decided to be part of the solution, with proposals and ideas submitted to popular scrutiny.

Last but not least, our recognition also goes to the other group of alumni who will play a leading role in these elections: you all. That's right, because with the participation of each one of us, and the efforts deployed to mobilize others to vote, we will be a fundamental piece in the goal of having an electoral participation unprecedented in our history.

We invite you to value the democracy we have and to enjoy the unique opportunity to improve it through voting. This weekend is a giant step towards our future as a country and we are very proud that members of this organization have decided to be protagonists.

Francisco Morey Cañoles
President
State Alumni Chile