1968 Elections & Political Transitions Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1968 Elections & Political Transitions Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 06 Feb Rashid Karami Resigns as Lebanese Prime Minister: Rashid Karami resigned as Prime Minister of Lebanon, along with his entire cabinet, in preparation for upcoming national elections. He was succeeded on February 8 by senior statesman Abdallah El-Yafi, who formed a caretaker government to oversee the electoral process.
- 25 Feb Archbishop Makarios III Re-elected as Cyprus President: On February 25, 1968, Archbishop Makarios III was re-elected as President of Cyprus, securing 96.3% of the vote in the presidential elections. The voter turnout was 93.5%. This marked his second term in office since the country's independence in 1960. source: britannica.com
- 07 Apr Lebanese Parliamentary Elections: Parliamentary elections in Lebanon concluded with 'independent' candidates winning the majority of seats. The election saw a voter turnout of 49.6%, reflecting the complex political landscape of the country during this period.
- 12 May Panamanian Presidential Election: Panama held national elections for a new President and National Assembly. Former President Arnulfo Arias emerged as the candidate receiving the most votes, signaling potential political shifts in the country.
- 17 May Italian General Election: Italy held a general election, contributing to the ongoing political dynamics and democratic processes in the country during the late 1960s.
- 28 May Eugene McCarthy wins Oregon Democratic Primary: On May 28, 1968, Eugene McCarthy won the Oregon Democratic Primary, a significant event in his campaign for the 1968 Democratic presidential nomination. His strong performance in Oregon contributed to his momentum in the race. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 05 Jun Assassination of Robert F. Kennedy: Robert F. Kennedy, a U.S. Senator and presidential candidate, was assassinated in Los Angeles shortly after delivering a victory speech. He was shot by Sirhan Sirhan and died from his injuries the next day. This event had a profound impact on American politics and society. source: britannica.com
- 30 Jun French Parliamentary Election: The Gaullist Union pour la défense de la République won an absolute majority in the French National Assembly. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 08 Aug Richard Nixon nominated at Republican National Convention: On August 8, 1968, former Vice President Richard Nixon was nominated as the Republican candidate for President at the Republican National Convention in Miami Beach, Florida. He secured the nomination on the first ballot, defeating competitors such as New York Governor Nelson Rockefeller and California Governor Ronald Reagan. Nixon's running mate was Maryland Governor Spiro Agnew. source: politico.com
- 29 Aug 1968 Democratic National Convention concludes amid chaos: The 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago concluded on August 29, 1968, amid widespread protests and police violence. The convention, intended to nominate the Democratic candidate for the presidential election, was overshadowed by the unrest outside, leading to a contentious and chaotic conclusion. source: history.com
- 17 Sep D'Oliveira affair: Cricket tour cancelled due to racial discrimination: The D'Oliveira affair on September 17, 1968, led to the cancellation of a cricket tour due to racial discrimination issues surrounding the selection of players. This incident highlighted the racial tensions in sports during that era. source: bbc.com
- 08 Oct 1968 Presidential debate legislative delay: On October 8, 1968, a legislative delay occurred affecting the scheduling of the second presidential debate between Richard Nixon and Hubert Humphrey. This delay was significant as it impacted the political landscape during a crucial election year. The debate was part of a series of events leading up to the presidential election. source: britannica.com
- 28 Nov 1968 Thanksgiving Day Presidential Proclamation: President Lyndon B. Johnson officially proclaimed Thursday, November 28, 1968, as a national day of thanksgiving, continuing the long-standing American tradition of commemorating gratitude and national unity during a tumultuous period in U.S. history.
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