David Padilla facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
David Padilla
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Official photograph by Freddy Alborta, c. 1978
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| 53rd President of Bolivia | |
| In office 24 November 1978 – 8 August 1979 |
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| Vice President | Vacant |
| Preceded by | Juan Pereda |
| Succeeded by | Wálter Guevara (interim) |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
David Padilla Arancibia
13 August 1927 Sucre, Bolivia |
| Died | 25 September 2016 (aged 89) La Paz, Bolivia |
| Spouse | Marina Goytia Peñaranda |
| Parents | Roberto Padilla Lazcano Honoria Arancibia |
| Education | Military College of the Army |
| Signature | .svg) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Bolivia |
| Branch/service |  Bolivian Army |
| Years of service | 1943–1979 |
| Rank | General |
David Padilla Arancibia (born August 13, 1927 – died September 25, 2016) was a Bolivian general. He served as the 53rd president of Bolivia from 1978 to 1979.
David Padilla was born in Sucre, Bolivia, on August 13, 1927. He joined the military and rose through the ranks to become the Commander of the Army.
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Becoming President of Bolivia
In November 1978, General Padilla became president. He took over from General Juan Pereda. Pereda had become president earlier that year. Many military leaders were tired of the previous dictator, Hugo Banzer.
General Padilla had a clear goal. He wanted to bring democracy back to Bolivia. He promised to hold elections quickly. Then, he would give power to the winner. He also wanted the military to return to their normal duties. Because of this promise, he was very popular during his time as president. He stayed in office for about nine months.
The 1979 Election and Leaving Office
The general election on July 1, 1979, was a bit confusing. The candidate named Hernán Siles Zuazo won the most votes. However, he did not get the 50% needed to win directly. So, it was up to the country's Congress to choose the next president.
The Congress had trouble agreeing on a candidate. They voted many times, but no one could get enough support. Finally, they found a solution. The President of the Senate, Wálter Guevara, was chosen. He would be president for one year. This would allow time for new elections in 1980.
General Padilla kept his promise. He handed over power to Guevara on August 8, 1979. He left the presidency as a respected leader. This was quite rare for military leaders in Bolivia's history.
Later Life and Death
David Padilla passed away in La Paz, Bolivia, on September 25, 2016. He was 89 years old.
See also
- Cabinet of David Padilla
- In Spanish: David Padilla para niños
