1970 Elections & Political Transitions Events — Verified Historical Highlights

1970 Elections & Political Transitions Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 01 Mar Austrian parliamentary election: Parliamentary elections were held in Austria on March 1, 1970. The Socialist Party (SPÖ) emerged as the largest party in the National Council, winning 81 of the 165 seats, just two seats short of an absolute majority. SPÖ leader Bruno Kreisky became Chancellor at the head of a minority government, marking the first Socialist-led government since 1920. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 02 Mar Rhodesia declares itself a republic: On March 2, 1970, Rhodesian Prime Minister Ian Smith declared Rhodesia a republic, severing its last ties with the British Crown. This move followed a 1969 referendum in which the electorate approved both the adoption of a republican form of government and a new constitution. The declaration was unrecognized by the United Kingdom and the international community. source: news.bbc.co.uk
- 12 Mar UK first youth election participation: On March 12, 1970, the United Kingdom held its first general election in which 18-year-olds were allowed to vote. This marked a significant change in electoral participation, reflecting broader societal shifts regarding youth engagement in politics. source: bbc.com
- 13 Apr Ian Paisley wins Northern Ireland by-election: On April 13, 1970, Ian Paisley won a by-election in Northern Ireland, marking a significant moment in the political landscape. His victory was indicative of the growing support for his political views during a tumultuous period in Northern Irish politics. source: bbc.com
- 22 Sep Tunku Abdul Rahman resigns as Malaysian Prime Minister: On September 22, 1970, Tunku Abdul Rahman stepped down as Malaysia's Prime Minister, a position he had held since 1957. His resignation followed the May 13, 1969, racial riots and the subsequent suspension of Parliament, leading to a diminished majority for the Alliance Party in the 1969 general election. He was succeeded by his deputy, Tun Abdul Razak Hussein. source: malaysianbar.org.my
- 07 Dec Pakistan's first direct adult franchise election: On December 7, 1970, Pakistan held its first direct adult franchise election, allowing all adults to vote for the first time. This election marked a significant moment in the country's democratic development. source: britannica.com
What happened in 1970?
Discover what the world looked like in 1970: