1978 Elections & Political Transitions Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1978 Elections & Political Transitions Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 04 Jan Chilean referendum supporting Pinochet's regime: On January 4, 1978, a referendum was held in Chile, where the populace was asked to support the regime of General Augusto Pinochet. The event was controversial and marked by allegations of coercion and manipulation, reflecting the political climate of the time. source: theguardian.com
- 01 May First Black mayor of New Orleans: On May 1, 1978, Ernest Morial was inaugurated as the first Black mayor of New Orleans. His election marked a significant milestone in the city's history and was a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement in the United States. source: nola.com
- 14 May Upper Volta Presidential Election First Round: On May 14, 1978, Upper Volta held its first multi-party presidential election after a 12-year hiatus. Incumbent President Sangoulé Lamizana led the first round with 42.15% of the vote, followed by Macaire Ouédraogo of the National Union for the Defence of Democracy (UNDD) with 25.22%. The second round on May 28 resulted in Lamizana's re-election with 56.28% of the vote. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 15 May Leadership Change in Nauru: Lagumot Harris is replaced as President of Nauru by Hammer DeRoburt, just weeks after his initial election, marking a significant political transition in the small Pacific island nation.
- 16 May Dominican Republic National Elections: On May 16, 1978, general elections were held in the Dominican Republic. Antonio Guzmán Fernández of the Dominican Revolutionary Party (PRD) won the presidential election, defeating incumbent Joaquín Balaguer of the Reformist Party (PR). The elections were noted for being free and competitive, with a voter turnout of 76.25%. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 03 Jun Bangladesh's first direct presidential election: On June 3, 1978, Bangladesh held its first direct presidential election, marking a significant moment in the country's democratic development. This election was pivotal in shaping the political landscape of Bangladesh. source: bbc.com
- 04 Jun Colombian presidential election: On June 4, 1978, Colombia held a presidential election that was crucial for the country's political future. The election was marked by various challenges, including political violence and electoral integrity issues. source: reuters.com
- 18 Jun Victor Raúl Haya de la Torre's APRA wins Peru election: In the 1978 Peruvian Constituent Assembly election held on June 18, 1978, the American Popular Revolutionary Alliance (APRA), led by Víctor Raúl Haya de la Torre, emerged as the largest party, winning 37 of the 100 seats. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 24 Sep Switzerland creates Canton of Jura: On September 24, 1978, Swiss voters approved the creation of the Canton of Jura, which became the country's 26th canton, following a national referendum. source: swissinfo.ch
- 07 Oct Neville Wran re-elected in New South Wales: Neville Wran was re-elected as Premier of New South Wales on October 7, 1978, leading the Australian Labor Party to victory in the state elections. His leadership was marked by significant reforms in education and health. Wran's tenure is often credited with modernizing the state's infrastructure and governance. source: parliament.nsw.gov.au
- 10 Oct Daniel arap Moi becomes Kenyan President: On October 10, 1978, Daniel arap Moi was elected as the second President of Kenya, following the death of President Jomo Kenyatta. Moi, who had been serving as Vice President, assumed the presidency and was later confirmed in a special election held on November 8, 1978. source: britannica.com
- 11 Oct Aristides Royo elected President of Panama: On October 11, 1978, Arístides Royo was elected as the 23rd President of Panama by the National Assembly of Community Representatives. He succeeded Demetrio B. Lakas, who had served as president since 1969. Royo's election marked a significant political transition in Panama. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 04 Nov 1978 United States presidential election: The United States presidential election took place on November 4, 1978, primarily for the midterm elections. This election was significant as it influenced the political landscape, with various congressional seats contested. The results had implications for the Carter administration's policies. source: archives.gov
- 07 Nov Marion Barry elected first African American mayor of Washington, D.C.: On November 7, 1978, Marion Barry was elected as the first African American mayor of Washington, D.C. His election marked a significant milestone in the city's political history and was celebrated by many in the African American community. source: washingtonpost.com
- 17 Dec Belgian parliamentary elections held: On December 17, 1978, Belgium conducted general elections for the Chamber of Representatives and the Senate. The Christian People's Party emerged as the largest party, securing 57 of the 212 seats in the Chamber of Representatives and 29 of the 106 seats in the Senate. Voter turnout was notably high at 94.8%. These elections were called following the resignation of Prime Minister Leo Tindemans over the Egmont pact, which aimed to transform Belgium into a federal state. The new government formed after the elections was the Vanden Boeynants II cabinet. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 29 Dec Spain's democratic constitution takes effect: Spain's democratic constitution officially took effect on December 29, 1978, following its approval by referendum. This event marked a pivotal moment in Spanish history, solidifying the country's commitment to democracy and the rule of law. source: britannica.com
What happened in 1978?
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