A.N.R. Robinson vs Guillermo Endara

Robinson led the National Alliance for Reconstruction (NAR) to a landslide victory in the 1986 general election, ending 30 years of PNM rule. He became Prime Minister, promising economic reform and national unity.

As Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Robinson proposed the creation of a permanent International Criminal Court to the UN General Assembly. His initiative, driven by the need to prosecute drug traffickers, led to the Rome Statute and the ICC's establishment in 2002.

Robinson was taken hostage by the Jamaat al Muslimeen during a coup attempt. He was held for six days and was shot in the leg. The crisis ended with a negotiated surrender, but Robinson's government was severely weakened.

After his term as Prime Minister, Robinson was elected President of Trinidad and Tobago, serving from 1997 to 2003. The presidency is a largely ceremonial role, but Robinson used it to advocate for regional integration and international justice.

Guillermo Endara, running as the candidate of the opposition coalition ADOC, won the Panamanian presidential election against Manuel Noriega's candidate. The election was marred by fraud and violence, and the results were subsequently annulled by Noriega's regime.

Following the U.S. invasion of Panama in December 1989, Endara was sworn in as President at a U.S. military base. His presidency was initially seen as legitimate by the international community, but he faced challenges of rebuilding the country after the invasion.

Endara served as President from 1989 to 1994. His administration focused on economic recovery, dismantling Noriega's military apparatus, and strengthening democratic institutions. He faced criticism for corruption and slow progress, but oversaw the transition to a civilian government.