Lavalas is a political movement in Haiti that emerged in the early 1990s, primarily associated with the leadership of Jean-Bertrand Aristide. The name "Lavalas" means "avalanche" in Haitian Creole, symbolizing a sweeping change in the political landscape. The movement gained significant support from the poor and marginalized communities, advocating for social justice and democracy. The movement's rise led to Aristide's election as Haiti's first democratically elected president in 1990. However, his presidency faced challenges, including a military coup in 1991 that temporarily ousted him. Despite these setbacks, Lavalas continued to play a crucial role in Haitian politics, influencing various elections and political developments.