Epitacio Pessoa vs Martin Torrijos

Epitácio Pessoa was elected President of Brazil, succeeding Delfim Moreira. He was a jurist and former Supreme Court justice, and his presidency focused on economic development and legal reforms.

Pessoa signed a law creating a system of agricultural credit to support farmers, particularly coffee growers. This reform aimed to modernize Brazilian agriculture and provide financial stability to the rural sector.

Pessoa ordered the military to suppress a rebellion by junior army officers (tenentes) in Rio de Janeiro. The revolt was crushed, but it marked the beginning of the tenente movement that would challenge the Old Republic.

Pessoa presided over the Centennial International Exposition in Rio de Janeiro, celebrating 100 years of Brazilian independence. The event showcased Brazilian culture and industry, attracting international participants.

After his presidency, Pessoa was elected a judge on the Permanent Court of International Justice in The Hague. He served from 1923 to 1930, becoming the first Brazilian to hold this position and contributing to international law.

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.