José María Velasco Ibarra

José María Velasco Ibarra was the dominant figure in Ecuadorian politics for four decades, who held the presidency five times between 1934 and 1972 but completed only one full term, from 1952 to 1956. A charismatic populist orator, he was overthrown by the army four times, the last in 1972. His career showed both the appeal of personal leadership and the fragility of Ecuador's institutions.