Francois Duvalier vs Luis Alberto Lacalle

Duvalier won the presidential election amid widespread fraud and violence. He was supported by the military and used the election to legitimize his rule, beginning a 14-year dictatorship.

Duvalier created the Tonton Macoute, a paramilitary force that served as his personal security and terror apparatus. The group operated outside the law, suppressing dissent through murder, torture, and intimidation.

Duvalier expelled the Archbishop of Port-au-Prince and other foreign clergy, leading to his excommunication by the Vatican. He then promoted a cult of personality blending voodoo and Catholicism to legitimize his rule.

Duvalier amended the Haitian constitution to declare himself President for Life. This move eliminated any possibility of democratic succession and solidified his absolute control over the country.

Luis Alberto Lacalle was elected president of Uruguay in the 1989 general election as the National Party candidate, defeating the Colorado Party. His victory ended 122 years of Colorado Party dominance in the presidency.

Lacalle implemented a series of neoliberal reforms, including trade liberalization, deregulation, and privatization of state-owned enterprises. The reforms aimed to modernize the economy but faced opposition from labor unions and led to increased unemployment.

Lacalle signed the Treaty of Asunci

Lacalle's government faced a referendum in December 1992 on several state reform laws, including privatization of state enterprises. Voters rejected the reforms, dealing a political setback to Lacalle's agenda.