1980 Elections & Political Transitions Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1980 Elections & Political Transitions Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 03 Jan Francisco de Sá Carneiro becomes Prime Minister of Portugal: On January 3, 1980, Francisco de Sá Carneiro was appointed Prime Minister of Portugal after his Social Democratic Party secured 128 of the 250 seats in the Assembly of the Republic during the December 2, 1979, legislative elections. He led a center-right coalition government known as the Democratic Alliance, which included the Democratic and Social Centre (CDS) and the People's Monarchist Party (PPM). source: britannica.com
- 12 Jan Togo's 1980 Constitution establishes the Third Republic: On January 12, 1980, Togo's new constitution came into effect, establishing the Third Republic. This followed a constitutional referendum held on December 30, 1979, which approved the changes with 99.87% of voters in favor. The new constitution transformed Togo into a presidential republic and a one-party state, with the Rally of the Togolese People (RPT) as the sole political party. source: loc.gov
- 04 Feb Abolhassan Banisadr becomes first president of Iran: Abolhassan Banisadr was inaugurated as the first president of Iran on February 4, 1980, following his election on January 25, 1980, where he received 76% of the vote. The ceremony took place at a hospital where Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khomeini was recuperating from a heart ailment. source: aljazeera.com
- 18 Feb 1980 Canadian federal election: Liberal Party victory: On February 18, 1980, the Liberal Party, led by Pierre Trudeau, won a majority government in the Canadian federal election, securing 147 seats out of 282 in the House of Commons. This victory marked the return of Trudeau as Prime Minister after the defeat of Joe Clark's Progressive Conservative government, which had been in power for less than a year. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 28 Feb Andalusia Autonomy Referendum held on February 28, 1980: On February 28, 1980, Andalusia held a referendum to ratify an autonomy initiative under Article 151 of Spain's 1978 Constitution. The proposal received 94.2% support, but failed to meet the 50% majority in Almería province, leading to legal amendments that allowed the autonomy process to continue. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 03 Mar Pierre Trudeau returns to Canadian leadership: On March 3, 1980, Pierre Trudeau was sworn in as Prime Minister of Canada, marking his return to office after a brief period out of power. His Liberal Party secured a majority in the February 18, 1980 federal election, defeating the Progressive Conservative Party led by Joe Clark. Trudeau's comeback was seen as a significant political event, as he had previously announced his intention to retire from politics. source: time.com
- 04 Mar ZANU-PF wins Zimbabwe parliamentary election: In the general elections held between February 14 and March 4, 1980, Robert Mugabe's Zimbabwe African National Union–Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) secured 57 of the 80 common roll seats, achieving a majority in the 100-member House of Assembly. Joshua Nkomo's Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU), contesting as the Patriotic Front, won 20 seats, while Abel Muzorewa's United African National Council (UANC) obtained 3 seats. The Rhodesian Front (RF) won all 20 white roll seats, with most candidates running unopposed. This outcome led to Robert Mugabe becoming Zimbabwe's first prime minister upon the country's independence on April 18, 1980. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 18 Apr Zimbabwe gains independence from United Kingdom: On April 18, 1980, Zimbabwe achieved independence from the United Kingdom, ending 90 years of British colonial rule. The country, formerly known as Rhodesia, held its first internationally recognized elections in February 1980, leading to Robert Mugabe becoming the first Prime Minister. The independence ceremony was attended by international dignitaries, including Prince Charles, who represented the British government. source: britannica.com
- 02 May Nepal holds referendum on governmental system: On May 2, 1980, Nepal conducted its first nationwide referendum, offering citizens a choice between maintaining the non-partisan panchayat system or adopting a multi-party system. The panchayat system received 54.7% of the votes, while the multi-party system garnered 45.3%. Voter turnout was 67%. Following the referendum, King Birendra appointed a Constitution Reforms Commission to implement constitutional amendments, including direct elections to the Rashtriya Panchayat and the election of the prime minister by the parliament. source: countrystudies.us
- 05 May Konstantinos Karamanlis elected President of Greece: On May 5, 1980, Konstantinos Karamanlis was elected President of Greece by the Hellenic Parliament, succeeding Konstantinos Tsatsos. Karamanlis, leader of the New Democracy party, had previously served as Prime Minister and was instrumental in Greece's return to democracy after the 1974 military junta. His election marked a significant moment in Greek politics, reflecting his enduring influence and the consolidation of democratic institutions in the country. source: washingtonpost.com
- 17 May Shining Path's first attack disrupts Peruvian elections: On May 17, 1980, the Maoist guerrilla group Shining Path burned ballot boxes in Chuschi, Peru, on the eve of presidential elections. This marked their first violent act, aiming to disrupt the democratic process. Despite the attack, the elections proceeded without major incidents, and the perpetrators were quickly apprehended. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 20 May Quebec independence referendum held on May 20, 1980: The Quebec independence referendum took place on May 20, 1980, where voters were asked whether Quebec should pursue sovereignty-association with Canada. The proposal was ultimately rejected, with approximately 60% voting against independence. This event was significant in Canadian politics, highlighting the ongoing debate over Quebec's status within Canada. source: thecanadianencyclopedia.ca
- 31 May Japanese Prime Minister Masayoshi Ōhira hospitalized for exhaustion: On May 31, 1980, Japanese Prime Minister Masayoshi Ōhira was hospitalized for exhaustion during the general election campaign. He had been campaigning for his party when he complained of fatigue and entered Tokyo's Toranomon Hospital. Doctors diagnosed him with a heart ailment, and despite initial optimism, he died of a massive heart attack on June 12, 1980, just ten days before the elections. source: washingtonpost.com
- 02 Jun Jaime Paz Zamora survives plane crash during 1980 Bolivian election campaign: On June 2, 1980, Jaime Paz Zamora, the vice-presidential candidate for the United Democratic Popular (UDP) party in Bolivia, survived a plane crash in the Altiplano region. The crash resulted in the deaths of five UDP politicians, including Jorge Álvarez Plata, Jorge Sattori, Enrique Barragán, and Rodrigo Douglas Veizaga. Paz Zamora suffered serious burns and was flown to the United States for treatment. He later accused military elements of involvement in the crash, which he considered an assassination attempt. source: upi.com
- 03 Jun Jimmy Carter wins enough delegates for renomination: On June 3, 1980, President Jimmy Carter secured sufficient delegates to become the Democratic Party's presumptive nominee for the upcoming presidential election. Despite facing a strong challenge from Senator Ted Kennedy, Carter's victories in several key primaries ensured his renomination. Kennedy, however, continued his campaign, leading to a contested Democratic National Convention in August. source: britannica.com
- 29 Jun First female president of Iceland elected: On June 29, 1980, Vigdís Finnbogadóttir was elected as the first female president of Iceland and the world's first democratically elected female head of state. Her election marked a significant milestone in gender equality and women's representation in politics. Finnbogadóttir served as president until 1996, becoming a prominent figure in Icelandic and global politics. source: bbc.com
- 16 Jul Ronald Reagan nominated for president by Republicans: On July 16, 1980, Ronald Reagan was officially nominated as the Republican candidate for President of the United States at the Republican National Convention held in Detroit, Michigan. This marked a significant moment in U.S. political history, as Reagan would go on to win the election later that year, serving two terms in office. His nomination was a pivotal point in the conservative movement within the Republican Party. source: archives.gov
- 17 Jul Ronald Reagan launches "Make America Great Again" campaign slogan at Republican National Convention: At the 1980 Republican National Convention, Ronald Reagan introduced the slogan "Make America Great Again," aiming to inspire patriotism and address economic challenges. The slogan was featured on campaign materials and became a hallmark of his presidential campaign. source: si.edu
- 21 Jul Mary Eugenia Charles becomes first female Prime Minister of Dominica: On July 21, 1980, Mary Eugenia Charles was appointed Prime Minister of Dominica, becoming the first woman to hold this position in the Caribbean. She led the Dominica Freedom Party to a landslide victory in the general elections, succeeding Oliver Seraphin. Her tenure focused on rebuilding infrastructure after Hurricane David and addressing political instability, including surviving two coup attempts in 1981. source: britannica.com
- 28 Jul Fernando Belaúnde Terry returns to presidency in Peru: On July 28, 1980, Fernando Belaúnde Terry was inaugurated as President of Peru, marking his return to office after being ousted by a military coup in 1968. His election signified the restoration of democracy in Peru after 12 years of military rule. Belaúnde's victory was seen as a rejection of the military regime and a desire for democratic governance. source: csmonitor.com
- 06 Aug Solomon Islands holds first post-independence general election: On August 6, 1980, the Solomon Islands conducted its first general election since gaining independence from Britain in 1978. A total of 241 candidates contested 38 constituencies, with the Solomon Islands United Party (SIUP), led by Prime Minister Peter Kenilorea, emerging as the largest party, securing 13 seats. Following the election, Kenilorea was re-elected as Prime Minister. source: csmonitor.com
- 08 Aug Philippines enacts Presidential Decree No. 1706, establishing compulsory national service: On August 8, 1980, President Ferdinand E. Marcos signed Presidential Decree No. 1706, known as "The National Service Law," making national service mandatory for all Filipino citizens. The decree outlined three main programs: civic welfare service, law enforcement service, and military service, which citizens could fulfill individually or in combination. This initiative aimed to enhance civic consciousness and respect for authority while addressing the needs of a developing nation. source: ldr.senate.gov.ph
- 11 Aug Angola revises its constitution: On August 11, 1980, Angola amended its constitution, further solidifying the People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) as the central authority in the nation's governance. This revision emphasized the MPLA's role in policy-making and subordinated the government to the party's directives, reinforcing the one-party state structure. The amendment also abolished the direct election of the president, instituting a system where the head of the majority party's candidate list automatically assumed the presidency. source: oxcon.ouplaw.com
- 14 Aug 1980 Democratic National Convention concludes with Carter's nomination: The 1980 Democratic National Convention, held from August 11 to 14 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, concluded with President Jimmy Carter and Vice President Walter Mondale being nominated for re-election. Senator Ted Kennedy, who had challenged Carter for the nomination, delivered a speech on August 12 in support of the ticket. Carter's acceptance speech on August 14 was notable for a gaffe where he referred to Hubert Humphrey as "Hubert Horatio Hornblower." source: politico.com
- 27 Aug Chun Doo-hwan elected president of South Korea in unopposed election: On August 27, 1980, General Chun Doo-hwan was elected president of South Korea by the National Conference for Unification, receiving 2,524 out of 2,525 votes. This election followed his military coup in May 1980, which led to the resignation of President Choi Kyu-hah. Chun's unopposed election solidified his control over the country, marking a significant moment in South Korea's political history. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 01 Sep Chun Doo-hwan becomes South Korean President: On September 1, 1980, General Chun Doo-hwan was officially inaugurated as the fifth President of South Korea, following his consolidation of power after the assassination of President Park Chung-hee in 1979. Prior to his presidency, Chun had been the de facto leader since December 1979, after orchestrating a military coup. His formal election was conducted by the National Conference for Unification on August 27, 1980, where he was the sole candidate and received 99.96% of the votes. source: britannica.com
- 12 Sep 1980 Turkish military coup d'état: On September 12, 1980, the Turkish Armed Forces, led by General Kenan Evren, executed a military coup, overthrowing the government of Prime Minister Süleyman Demirel and dissolving the Turkish Grand National Assembly. The National Security Council assumed control, suspended the constitution, banned all political parties, and imposed martial law. The coup resulted in widespread human rights violations, including the detention of over 650,000 people, trials of 230,000 individuals, and the execution of 50 people. The military junta ruled until 1983, when democracy was restored with the general elections. source: turkiyetoday.com
- 05 Oct 1980 West German federal election: Federal elections were held in West Germany on October 5, 1980, to elect the members of the 9th Bundestag. The Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) alliance, led by Franz Josef Strauß, secured 44.5% of the vote and 226 seats. The Social Democratic Party (SPD), with Chancellor Helmut Schmidt, received 42.9% and 218 seats. The Free Democratic Party (FDP), led by Hans-Dietrich Genscher, garnered 10.6% and 53 seats. Despite CDU/CSU's plurality, Schmidt remained Chancellor, continuing the SPD-FDP coalition. source: washingtonpost.com
- 15 Oct James Callaghan resigns as leader of the Labour Party: On October 15, 1980, James Callaghan resigned as leader of the UK's Labour Party, following his defeat in the 1979 general election. His resignation led to a leadership election, which Michael Foot won, becoming the new leader of the opposition. source: washingtonpost.com
- 18 Oct Malcolm Fraser's Liberal-National Coalition re-elected in 1980 Australian federal election: On October 18, 1980, Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser's Liberal-National Country Party (NCP) coalition was re-elected in the Australian federal election, securing a third term in office. The coalition won 74 seats in the House of Representatives, a reduction from their previous majority, while the Australian Labor Party (ALP), led by Bill Hayden, increased their representation to 51 seats. In the Senate, the Australian Democrats gained the balance of power, marking a significant shift in Australia's political landscape. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 26 Oct Tanzania held general elections on October 26, 1980: On October 26, 1980, Tanzania conducted general elections, including both presidential and National Assembly elections. The country was a one-party state at the time, with the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) as the sole legal party. In the presidential election, Julius Nyerere, leader of CCM, was re-elected with 95.56% of the vote. For the National Assembly, there were two candidates from CCM in each of the 106 constituencies. Voter turnout was 86% for the presidential election and 85% for the National Assembly. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 27 Oct South Korea adopts new constitution, dissolves parliament: On October 27, 1980, South Korea's new constitution took effect, leading to the immediate dissolution of the existing parliament and all political parties. The constitution, approved by a national referendum on October 22, 1980, introduced significant changes, including a single seven-year presidential term and the establishment of a caretaker parliament, the Legislative Council for National Security, to oversee governance until new elections were held. source: upi.com
- 04 Nov John B. Anderson's independent presidential campaign in 1980: In 1980, former Republican congressman John B. Anderson launched an independent presidential campaign, running against incumbent President Jimmy Carter and Republican nominee Ronald Reagan. His running mate was Patrick Lucey, a former Democratic governor of Wisconsin. Anderson's campaign focused on liberal Republican ideals, appealing to disillusioned voters from both major parties. Despite his efforts, he secured approximately 7% of the popular vote but did not win any electoral votes, with Reagan ultimately winning the election. source: washingtonpost.com
- 05 Nov Julius Nyerere sworn in for fourth term as President of Tanzania: On November 5, 1980, Julius Nyerere was sworn in for his fourth and final five-year term as President of Tanzania. He had announced earlier that he would not seek re-election in 1985. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 07 Dec Portuguese President António Ramalho Eanes re-elected in 1980: On December 7, 1980, incumbent President António Ramalho Eanes was re-elected in Portugal's presidential election, securing approximately 56.44% of the vote against General António Soares Carneiro, who received about 40.23%. Eanes, an independent candidate, was supported by the Socialist Party and the Portuguese Communist Party. The election proceeded despite the tragic death of Prime Minister Francisco Sá Carneiro in a plane crash just days earlier. source: washingtonpost.com
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