Arturo Frondizi vs Joaquin Balaguer

Frondizi was elected President of Argentina on February 23, 1958, as candidate of the Intransigent Radical Civic Union (UCRI). He won with 45% of the vote, benefiting from a deal with the exiled Peronist movement, which instructed its supporters to vote for him.

Frondizi signed contracts with foreign oil companies, including Standard Oil of California and Shell, to exploit Argentine oil reserves. This reversed the state monopoly on oil and aimed to achieve energy self-sufficiency. The policy was controversial and criticized by nationalists and the military.

Frondizi launched a developmentalist economic program focused on industrialization, infrastructure, and attracting foreign capital. Policies included tariff protection for local industries, state investment in steel and petrochemicals, and promotion of exports. The plan achieved industrial growth but also caused inflation and foreign debt.

Frondizi signed the Treaty of Montevideo on February 18, 1960, establishing the Latin American Free Trade Association (ALALC). The agreement aimed to reduce trade barriers among Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay, promoting regional economic integration.

Frondizi was overthrown by a military coup on March 29, 1962, after the Peronist party won provincial elections, which the military opposed. He was arrested and placed under house arrest. The coup ended his developmentalist experiment and led to a period of military rule.

Joaquín Balaguer was elected President of the Dominican Republic in 1960, succeeding the assassinated Rafael Trujillo. He was Trujillo's former puppet but managed to distance himself from the regime. His first term was marked by political instability and US pressure.

Balaguer won the 1966 presidential election, defeating Juan Bosch. His victory was supported by the US and the military. He took office after the 1965 civil war and US intervention, and his rule marked the beginning of a 12-year authoritarian period known as the '12 Years'.

Balaguer ruled the Dominican Republic from 1966 to 1978 with an iron fist. His regime suppressed political opposition, controlled the press, and used paramilitary groups to intimidate dissent. However, it also oversaw economic growth and infrastructure development.

Balaguer lost the 1978 presidential election to Antonio Guzm

Balaguer returned to the presidency in 1986, winning the election at age 80. He served three more terms (1986-1996), continuing his authoritarian style but also implementing neoliberal reforms. His later years were marked by allegations of electoral fraud.

The 1994 presidential election was marred by widespread fraud, with Balaguer declared winner over Jos