Haiti Inaugurates First Democratically Elected President

Jean-Bertrand Aristide was sworn in as Haiti's first democratically elected leader, but was later overthrown by the military.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

On February 7, 1991, Jean-Bertrand Aristide was inaugurated as the first democratically elected president of Haiti. However, he was overthrown by the military just nine months later in September of that year.

Why it matters

This event marked a significant milestone in Haiti's political history, as the country transitioned from military rule to democratic governance. However, the swift overthrow of Aristide's government raised concerns about the fragility of Haiti's new democratic institutions.

The details

Aristide, a former Catholic priest, was elected in a landslide victory in December 1990, becoming Haiti's first democratically chosen leader. His inauguration on February 7, 1991 was celebrated by many Haitians as a new era of political stability and progress. However, the military, which had long held power in Haiti, staged a coup and overthrew Aristide's government just nine months later in September 1991.

  • On February 7, 1991, Jean-Bertrand Aristide was inaugurated as the first democratically elected president of Haiti.
  • In September 1991, just nine months after his inauguration, Aristide was overthrown by the military in a coup.

The players

Jean-Bertrand Aristide

The first democratically elected president of Haiti, who was inaugurated in 1991 but overthrown by the military just nine months later.

Haiti

The Caribbean nation that transitioned from military rule to democratic governance with Aristide's election, though the new democratic institutions proved fragile.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

Haiti's transition to democracy in 1991 was a hopeful moment, but the swift military overthrow of Aristide's government just months later highlighted the challenges the country faced in establishing stable democratic institutions. This event underscored the fragility of democracy in Haiti and the need for continued efforts to strengthen the country's political system.