Manuel Felipe Tovar

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17th President of Venezuela
Manuel Felipe Tovar

In office September 29, 1859 – May 20, 1861
Preceded by	Pedro Gual Escandon
Succeeded by	Pedro Gual Escandon

Born	January 1, 1803(1803-01-01) Caracas, Venezuela
Died	February 20, 1866 (aged 63) Paris, France
Spouse	Encarnación Rivas Pacheco
Signature

Manuel Felipe Tovar was born in Caracas, January 1, 1803, was the first President of Venezuela chosen by popular voting, his first presidency lasted a month, when as President of the Council of State, replaced the absence of Julián Castro, from August 18 to September 17, 1858. Tovar was a direct descending of the Bishop Fray Mauro de Tovar, who arrived to Venezuela with his nephews in 1640. Although he inherited the title of Count of Tovar, he resigned to that, as he would resign soon to the Presidency of Venezuela. He was an exemplary, full citizen of republican virtues. Tovar takes active part against the revolution of José Tadeo Monagas, and in total support of Julián Castro, convinced that the hegemony of the Monagas made a big damage to the country.

Tovar attends the Convention reunited in Valencia in July, 1858. In that species of Congress, Julián Castro was chosen provisional president. Tovar is designated President of the Council of State, and later on January 4, 1859, temporary Vice-president. In 1859, swaying already the government of Julián Castro, corresponded to Tovar to be in charge of the Executive authority, in the heat of the Federal War. Despite the fury of this war, the elections in Venezuela are carried out. There is a characteristic notable: these elections of 1860 are first in which the people goes to vote in direct, secret and the universal form. The only restriction is the own war. The scrutinies, made under the supervision of the Congress, offer the following results: Manuel Felipe Tovar, 35,010 votes, Pedro Gual, 4,389 votes, Jose Antonio Páez, 746 votes. Manuel Felipe Tovar, was chosen President of Venezuela by sovereign will, but the war continues. There will be no peace still in Venezuela. The passions are exaggerated, José Antonio Páez, who was in New York City, returns at the request of the government to be in charge of the Army.

Tovar only lasts 8 days in that position, pressed by the circumstances, resigns to the presidency, following the passages of another civilist notable, José María Vargas, this resign was on May 20, 1861. Tovar goes away to Paris with his family, in this French city dies, on February 20, 1866.