Anti-Duvalier protest movement Anti-Duvalier protest movement The Anti-Duvalier protest movement was a series of demonstrations in Haiti from 23 May 1984 – 7 February 1986, that led to the overthrow of President Jean-Claude Duvalier and the Duvalier dynasty regime. Francois “Papa Doc” Duvalier was elected to presidency in the 1957 general election, and he declared himself “President for life” following the 1964 constitutional referendum. In the aftermath of the 1958 coup d'état attempt, to keep the populace subservient, Papa Doc created a paramilitary force called the Tonton Macoutes (), notorious of its use of violence and intimidation. In 1970, the force was renamed
François Duvalier Duvalier was a physician by profession. His profession and expertise in the field acquired him the nickname "PapaDoc". He was unanimously "re-elected" in a 1961 election in which he was the only candidate. Afterwards, he consolidated his power step by step, culminating in 1964 when he declared himself as President for Life after another faulty election, and remained in power until he died in 1971. He was succeeded by his son, Jean‑Claude, who was nicknamed "BabyDoc". Duvalier was born in Port-au-Prince in 1907, son of Duval Duvalier, a justice of the peace, and baker His aunt, Madame Florestal, raised him.