We need to have a broad debate so that the new Chilean constitution is representative of everyone. I am convinced that it cannot just be developed by an expert group. First, people at all levels will be given an opportunity to provide input. They should be allowed to express their opinions about the kind of society they would like to live in. That's the kind of open process I would like to see. The issue at hand here is finding unity on the greater rules. Afterwards, a text will be developed and presented to parliament.

The United Nations should become a proactive agent in the dissemination of democratic principles.

The change of the binominal system is without a doubt, a great advancement, it will allow us to be better represented and have better ideas.

For me, a better democracy is a democracy where women do not only have the right to vote and to elect but to be elected.

I was a woman, a divorcee, a socialist, an agnostic . . . all possible sins together.

Women say that my election represents a cultural break with the past - a past of sexism, of misogyny.

There has been a cultural shift. It is difficult to measure all that right now, but Chilean women have seen my presidency as a source of pride. Women are performing in jobs in Chile now that 20 or 30 years ago nobody would have dared to imagine.