Francois Duvalier - The First Haitian President for Life

Later in 1950, Dumarsias Estime was removed from power. He did not support President Paul Magloire who took over the government. He decided to go back to the field of medicine again. He did not work in peace at that time for fear of persecution by the government of President Magloire. In 1954, he resorted into hiding until 1956, when President Magloire forgave all his opponents.

In the following year, Francois Duvalier began campaigning for presidency. Like other contesters, he promised the citizens many things. He had his own tactics of winning the army to his side. This made him to be famous at that time gaining a lot of recognition from people. It made him win in the elections against his opponent Louis Dejoie. This became the first peaceful election which has ever been held in Haiti. However, he did not get much support from the parliamentarians. This made him to start exercising dictatorship against his people, and he assassinated everyone who went against him. This action led to many people running away from Haiti for fear of being assassinated.

During the general elections held in 1961, he altered the ballot papers and his name was placed at the top. He declared himself the president for another term. This action did not please USA. USA resorted in withdrawing its diplomatic relationship with Haiti. While in power, he dictated to the legislative chamber whatever he wanted to be done for him. He helped in changing article 197 of the constitution which gave him the power to declare himself the president for life. In 1971, he began suffering from heart disease and on 21 April 1971 he succumbed to death.

Reply to this article

Read more: duvalier, president, port-au-prince, doctors, Francois Duvalier, constitution, Papa Doc, Minister of Health, 1971, Universite D'Etat D'Haiti, Griot Movement, Michigan, Dumarsias Estime, Paul Magloire, Louis Dejoie, 1907, 1961, duvalier

Main

Return to Articles List

Our objective is to share with you news and information about Haiti and the people of Haiti. Traditions, habits and the way we were  or  grew are alive in this site. We highly recommend that you Subscribe to our Newsletter and also share with us some of the things that are memorable and made us unique people.