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Biography
José María Medina (8 September 1826 – 1878) served as President of Honduras three times during the 1860s and 1870s.
Medina was born in Sensenti. 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.
He provisionally served a third time between 12 August and 27 August 1876, and was later executed by firing squad in 1878 in Santa Rosa de Copán.