Bantu Holomisa vs Martin Torrijos

Bantu Holomisa led a military coup in the nominally independent homeland of Transkei, overthrowing the government of Prime Minister Stella Sigcau. He became the head of state, ruling as military dictator until 1994.

Holomisa oversaw the dissolution of the Transkei homeland and its reintegration into South Africa after the end of apartheid. He facilitated the transition to democratic governance, supporting the ANC-led government.

Holomisa co-founded the United Democratic Movement (UDM) with Roelf Meyer, a former National Party minister. The UDM positioned itself as a centrist alternative to the ANC, advocating for good governance and anti-corruption.

Martin Torrijos, son of former military leader Omar Torrijos, won the 2004 presidential election as the candidate of the Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD). His victory marked the return of the PRD to power after a decade out of office.

Torrijos's presidency was marked by economic growth, social reforms, and the initiation of the canal expansion. He also pursued anti-corruption measures and improved relations with the United States. He left office with relatively high approval ratings.

Torrijos proposed and secured approval for a major expansion of the Panama Canal through a national referendum in 2006. The project aimed to build a third set of locks to accommodate larger ships, significantly increasing the canal's capacity and economic impact.