1983 Elections & Political Transitions Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1983 Elections & Political Transitions Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 15 Jan Dutch political party DS'70 disbands: The Democratic Socialists '70 (DS'70), a Dutch social democratic political party, officially dissolved on January 15, 1983. Founded in 1970 as a split from the Labour Party (PvdA), DS'70 experienced a decline in support over the years, failing to secure parliamentary representation in the 1981 elections. The party's dissolution marked the end of its presence in Dutch politics. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 21 Jan US certifies El Salvador's compliance for continued military aid: On January 21, 1983, President Ronald Reagan certified that the Salvadoran government was complying with the terms of the International Security and Development Cooperation Act of 1981, allowing El Salvador to continue receiving U.S. military and economic assistance. This certification was based on the Salvadoran government's progress in human rights, economic and political reforms, and free elections. source: heritage.org
- 03 Feb Malcolm Fraser calls double dissolution election; Bill Hayden resigns as Labor leader: On February 3, 1983, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser called a double dissolution election, citing 13 trigger bills that had been twice rejected by the Senate. On the same day, Labor Party leader Bill Hayden resigned, and Bob Hawke was elected unopposed as his successor on February 8. The election, held on March 5, 1983, resulted in a landslide victory for the Labor Party under Hawke's leadership. source: aph.gov.au
- 05 Mar Australian Labor Party wins 1983 federal election: On March 5, 1983, the Australian Labor Party, led by Bob Hawke, secured a decisive victory in the federal election, ending seven years of Liberal-National Coalition government under Malcolm Fraser. Labor won 75 seats in the House of Representatives, a gain of 24 seats, and increased its Senate representation to 30 seats. This marked the beginning of a 13-year period of Labor governance at the federal level. source: naa.gov.au
- 11 Mar Bob Hawke becomes Prime Minister of Australia: Bob Hawke was sworn in as the 23rd Prime Minister of Australia on March 11, 1983, after leading the Australian Labor Party to victory in the federal election. His leadership marked a significant shift in Australian politics, focusing on economic reform and social justice. Hawke served as Prime Minister until 1991, becoming one of the country's longest-serving leaders. source: britannica.com
- 21 Apr Jackie Presser elected president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters: On April 21, 1983, Jackie Presser was elected president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, succeeding Roy Williams, who resigned after being convicted of conspiring to bribe a U.S. senator. Presser, a Cleveland-based union leader, pledged to lead the union in a progressive direction and address its image issues. His election was influenced by support from organized crime figures, including the Genovese crime family. source: upi.com
- 24 Apr Austrian parliamentary election results in 1983: On April 24, 1983, Austria held parliamentary elections. The Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ), led by Chancellor Bruno Kreisky, secured 90 seats, losing its absolute majority. The Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) gained 81 seats, and the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) increased its representation to 12 seats. Following the election, Kreisky resigned as Chancellor, succeeded by Fred Sinowatz. The SPÖ formed a coalition government with the FPÖ. source: washingtonpost.com
- 24 May Bruno Kreisky resigns as Austrian Chancellor: On May 24, 1983, Austrian Chancellor Bruno Kreisky announced his resignation after his Socialist Party lost its absolute majority in the National Council during the April 1983 elections. He was succeeded by Fred Sinowatz, who formed a coalition government with the Freedom Party of Austria. source: washingtonpost.com
- 06 Jun China's National People's Congress elects Li Xiannian as President: On June 6, 1983, China's National People's Congress elected Li Xiannian as the President of the People's Republic of China. This marked the revival of the largely ceremonial presidential position, which had been absent since the late 1960s, and was part of Deng Xiaoping's efforts to reaffirm the rule of law and government institutions after the Cultural Revolution. source: csmonitor.com
- 09 Jun Margaret Thatcher's Conservative Party wins 1983 UK general election: On June 9, 1983, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's Conservative Party secured a decisive victory in the UK general election, winning 397 seats to Labour's 209. The SDP-Liberal Alliance, despite receiving nearly as many votes as Labour, won only 23 seats due to the 'first-past-the-post' electoral system. This marked the Conservatives' largest majority since 1945. source: news.bbc.co.uk
- 02 Sep Yitzhak Shamir elected as Herut Party leader to succeed Menachem Begin: On September 2, 1983, Yitzhak Shamir was elected leader of Israel's Herut Party, succeeding the retiring Prime Minister Menachem Begin. Shamir secured 436 votes against Deputy Prime Minister David Levy's 302 in the party's central committee election. This endorsement positioned Shamir to form a new government, which he did on October 10, 1983, following Begin's resignation. source: washingtonpost.com
- 19 Sep Saint Kitts and Nevis gains independence from Britain: On September 19, 1983, Saint Kitts and Nevis achieved full independence from the United Kingdom, becoming a sovereign nation. The new constitution granted Nevis a significant degree of autonomy and the right to secede if a referendum resulted in a two-thirds majority in favor. The independence ceremony was attended by Princess Margaret, who represented Queen Elizabeth II, marking the end of over 300 years of British colonial rule. source: britannica.com
- 21 Sep Anti-Marcos Demonstrations in Manila on September 21, 1983: On September 21, 1983, Manila witnessed significant anti-Marcos demonstrations marking the 11th anniversary of martial law and one month after the assassination of opposition leader Benigno Aquino. Thousands of protesters marched through the city, culminating in clashes near the presidential palace, resulting in at least 11 deaths and numerous injuries. The unrest underscored growing public dissent against President Ferdinand Marcos's regime. source: washingtonpost.com
- 02 Oct Neil Kinnock elected leader of the UK Labour Party: On October 2, 1983, Neil Kinnock was elected leader of the UK Labour Party, succeeding Michael Foot. Kinnock secured 71% of the vote in the leadership election, defeating Roy Hattersley, Eric Heffer, and Peter Shore. His deputy, Roy Hattersley, was also elected with 67.3% of the vote. This leadership change followed Labour's significant defeat in the 1983 general election, marking a pivotal moment in the party's history. source: news.bbc.co.uk
- 30 Oct Argentina's return to democracy in 1983: On October 30, 1983, Argentina held its first democratic elections after nearly eight years of military dictatorship. Raúl Alfonsín of the Radical Civic Union (UCR) won the presidency, marking a significant shift in the country's political landscape. He was inaugurated on December 10, 1983, becoming the first constitutional president since the military junta took power in 1976. source: washingtonpost.com
- 02 Nov South Africa's Limited Constitutional Reform: On November 2, 1983, South Africa held a referendum in which the white electorate approved a new constitution. This constitution introduced a Tricameral Parliament, allowing limited political representation for Coloured and Indian South Africans, while continuing to exclude the black majority. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 03 Nov Jesse Jackson announces 1984 presidential candidacy: On November 3, 1983, Reverend Jesse Jackson declared his candidacy for the 1984 U.S. presidential election, becoming the second African American to run for president as a Democrat. His announcement marked a significant moment in American politics, highlighting the increasing political influence of African Americans. Jackson's campaign emphasized economic justice, civil rights, and a 'Rainbow Coalition' of diverse communities. source: washingtonpost.com
- 06 Nov 1983 Turkish general election: On November 6, 1983, Turkey held its first general election since the 1980 military coup. The Motherland Party (ANAP), led by Turgut Özal, secured a significant victory with 45.14% of the vote, winning 211 seats in the 400-member Grand National Assembly. The Populist Party (HP), led by Necdet Calp, received 30.46% and 117 seats, while the Nationalist Democracy Party (MDP), founded by the military junta, garnered 23.27% and 71 seats. Voter turnout was 92.27%. source: upi.com
- 08 Nov Wilson Goode becomes first Black mayor of Philadelphia: On November 8, 1983, Wilson Goode was elected as the first Black mayor of Philadelphia. His election marked a significant milestone in the city's history, reflecting broader changes in American politics regarding race and representation. Goode served until 1992, during which he faced various challenges, including the controversial MOVE incident in 1985. source: phillymag.com
- 10 Dec Democracy restored in Argentina with the inauguration of President Raúl Alfonsín: On December 10, 1983, Raúl Alfonsín was inaugurated as Argentina's first democratically elected president after nearly eight years of military rule. His election marked the end of the National Reorganization Process, a period characterized by human rights abuses and economic turmoil. Alfonsín's presidency focused on restoring democratic institutions and addressing the legacy of the dictatorship. source: washingtonpost.com
- 31 Dec Nigerian military coup ousts President Shehu Shagari: On December 31, 1983, a military coup in Nigeria led by Major General Muhammadu Buhari overthrew the democratically elected government of President Shehu Shagari. The coup was prompted by allegations of corruption and economic mismanagement within Shagari's administration. During the operation to arrest Shagari, Brigadier Ibrahim Bako was killed in a firefight with the presidential guard. Buhari was subsequently installed as the new head of state. source: en.wikipedia.org
What happened in 1983?
Discover what the world looked like in 1983: