Jose Manuel Balmaceda vs Zviad Gamsakhurdia

Balmaceda won the presidential election as a liberal reformer. His presidency aimed to reduce the power of the conservative oligarchy and expand state control over resources.

Balmaceda's conflict with Congress over budget control escalated into a civil war. The Congressional forces, backed by the navy, defeated the presidential army. Balmaceda's defeat ended his presidency and led to a parliamentary system.

After the civil war defeat, Balmaceda took refuge in the Argentine embassy. He shot himself on September 19, 1891, leaving a letter defending his actions. His death marked the end of the presidentialist era.

Gamsakhurdia was elected Chairman of the Supreme Council of Georgia, effectively becoming the head of state. He led Georgia's declaration of independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, ending 70 years of Soviet rule.

Gamsakhurdia won the first direct presidential election in Georgia with 86% of the vote. He became the first democratically elected president of the country. His presidency focused on consolidating independence and asserting Georgian sovereignty.

Gamsakhurdia was overthrown by a military coup backed by paramilitary groups and former allies. He fled to Chechnya. The coup led to a civil war and the rise of Eduard Shevardnadze. Gamsakhurdia's authoritarian style and nationalist policies had alienated many.

Gamsakhurdia returned to Georgia to lead an armed rebellion against Shevardnadze's government. He died in unclear circumstances in a village in western Georgia, reportedly by suicide or assassination. His death ended the rebellion.