Velasco Ibarra, José

Velasco Ibarra, José (María)

(born March 19, 1893, Quito, Ecua.—died March 30, 1979, Quito) Five-time president of Ecuador. Born into a wealthy family, he was first elected to the presidency in 1933. In response to Congress's lack of support for his land reform program, he assumed dictatorial powers, imprisoning opposition leaders and censoring the press. Deposed by the army and forced into exile, he returned to the presidency in 1944, but his repressive policies alienated his liberal followers and again he was forced into exile. He returned and was elected three more times before his death in 1979, only once (1952–56) being permitted to serve out a full term.