Alfredo Stroessner

He was reelected seven times—in 1958 1963 1968 1973 1978 1983 and 1988. Those who defend his legacy cite the political stability and economic progress under his rule. Paraguayans remain divided on Stroessner and his controversial legacy.

In 1988 he won an unprecedented eighth term on a majority according to official figures of between 90 and 98 percent of the registered vote. He died in Brasilia on 16 August 2006 of complications from a hernia operation. Stroessner was forced from power in 1989 in a military coup led by strongman General Andres Rodriguez.