José María Medina

Who was José María Medina?

José María Medina served as President of Honduras three times during the 1860s and 1870s.

Medina was born in Gracias a Dios Department. He joined the Honduran army age 18, and fought against William Walker's attempts to conquer Central America.

His first term in office was served as temporary President between 1 September and 31 December 1863. Medina was then elected President in 1864. According to the 1848 constitution he was eligible for a second term in office. However in 1865 he convened a Constitutional Convention, which adopted a new constitution on 18 September. This restricted the President to a single term in office, as well as making the National Congress unicameral. The Convention made Medina the provisional President, which was confirmed in a December 1865 election.

In order to win a second term after the adoption of the new constitution. He convened a new Convention, which approved the changes to the constitution and also elected him President for a second term. However, following protests, he held a referendum on the issue, which was approved by over 95% of voters. However,on 26 July 1872 he was ousted from power after a revolt by the Liberals.