Issue and Opponent: After the assassination of President Trujillo in May 1961, Joaquin Balaguer was elected into office as President. He chose to continue Trujillo’s oppressive regime, which included brutal violence against critics, censoring the media, and installing secret police to terrorize the public. In late November, the National Civic Union (led by Dr. Viriato Fillao) and other opposition groups called for a general strike. Their goal was to weaken Balaguer’s government, forcing his resignation, thus allowing the implementation of fair and free elections.
Dilemma Action: The opposition groups shut down businesses and cut down trees on the main roads to stop public transportation. They taunted the police and other officials by yelling “Boo Boo Balaguer.” Around Christmas, still dissatisfied with Balaguer’s position in the government, the public chanted: “Christmas with freedom,” “Christmas without Balaguer,” and “Balaguer, Balaguer, little paper doll.” After their final success in mid-January with the resignation of Balaguer, the anti-Balaguer citizens danced in the streets and honked their car horns.
Outcomes: After the demonstrations in late November and early December, Balaguer agreed to bring the NCU into his government and modify the state constitution. He also agreed to create a State Council which would have sitting members from the NCU and other opposition groups. However, on January 16, Balaguer dissolved the State Council and replaced it with a civilian-military junta. Opposition groups resumed their general strike, which ended with the resignation of Balaguer and the reinstatement of the State Council. A free and fair election was successfully held later that year. These strikes were in protest of the historically oppressive regimes leading the Dominican Republic. The people demanded free and fair elections.