Guntis Ulmanis vs Miriam Defensor Santiago

Guntis Ulmanis was elected President of Latvia in July 1993 by the Saeima, becoming the first president of the restored Republic of Latvia. He was a former agricultural economist and a member of the Latvian Farmers' Union, and his election marked the end of the transitional period after independence.

Ulmanis negotiated the withdrawal of the last Russian troops from Latvia in August 1994, completing the country's full independence. The agreement was reached after prolonged talks, and the troops left by the end of the year.

Ulmanis was re-elected for a second term in June 1996 by the Saeima. His second term focused on economic reforms, integration with Western institutions, and strengthening Latvia's democratic institutions.

Santiago received the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Government Service. The award recognized her work as a judge and her efforts to reform the Philippine legal system, including her campaign against graft and corruption in the judiciary.

As a senator, Santiago authored Republic Act 7877, the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act. The law defined sexual harassment in workplaces and educational institutions and established penalties. It was a landmark piece of legislation for women's rights in the Philippines.

Santiago was elected as a judge of the International Criminal Court in The Hague. She was the first Filipino and first Asian woman to hold the position. She served until 2014, when she resigned due to health reasons.

Santiago ran for president under the People's Reform Party. She campaigned on anti-corruption and good governance but finished 6th out of 5 candidates (one withdrew). Her campaign was hampered by her battle with lung cancer.