Story perspectives
Today in History: François Duvalier “Papa Doc” elected Haiti’s president
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Story summary
- On 22 September 1957 Haiti held presidential elections; former labour minister François Duvalier, running with the National Unity Party, defeated businessman Louis Déjoie after rival Clement Jumelle withdrew amid army-linked suspicions. Exiled former leader Daniel Fignolé was barred. Duvalier’s populist victory marked the start of his lifelong dictatorship.