Justo Abaunza y Muñoz de Avilés (1778 – 1872) was a Costa Rican-born legitimist Nicaraguan lawyer and politician who served as acting Supreme Director of Nicaragua from 1 April to 5 May 1851, and as provisional Supreme Director appointed by José Trinidad Muñoz from 4 August to 2 November 1851.
Biography
Early career
In 1803, Marcelo de los Santos Porras, priest of the town of Masaya, stated that according to the baptismal books and the last census practiced in his parishioners, there were Spanish residents suitable for public service, all between ages 25 and 60, such as Lieutenant Abaunza, who was the sub-delegate of the Party of Nicoya. On 13 July 1804 he was appointed sub-delegate of the Party of Sutiaba against the opinion of the Governor of the Province.
As Supreme Director
He was appointed acting Supreme Director on 1 April 1851 before his elected successor, Laureano Pineda, took office on 5 May of the same year.
On 4 August 1851 a coup led mainly by José Trinidad Muñoz, with support from other conservative leaders at the time, overthrew Pineda and forced him into exile in Honduras, where he declared himself Supreme Director in dissidence. Muñoz appointed senators Abaunza in León and José Francisco del Montenegro in Granada. Montenegro died suddenly only 6 days into his administration and was replaced by senator José de Jesús Alfaro.