1985 Elections & Political Transitions Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1985 Elections & Political Transitions Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 20 Jan Reagan's private second term inauguration held in 1985: Ronald Reagan's second term inauguration took place on January 20, 1985, in a private ceremony due to the cold weather. The public inauguration was held the following day, January 21, 1985. This event marked Reagan's second consecutive term as President of the United States, following his re-election in 1984. source: archives.gov
- 21 Jan Reagan's second inauguration moved indoors due to severe cold: On January 21, 1985, President Ronald Reagan's second inauguration was relocated indoors to the Capitol Rotunda because of extreme cold temperatures, with wind chills reaching -25°F. The decision was made to ensure the safety of attendees, as exposed skin could freeze within minutes under such conditions. This marked the first time a U.S. presidential inauguration was held indoors since 1909. source: washingtonpost.com
- 01 Mar Uruguay returns to democracy with Julio María Sanguinetti's inauguration: On March 1, 1985, Julio María Sanguinetti was inaugurated as president of Uruguay, marking the end of nearly 12 years of military rule. His election followed the November 1984 general elections, where he secured 31.2% of the vote, defeating the National Party candidate Alberto Zumarán. The inauguration was attended by 72 foreign representatives, symbolizing international support for Uruguay's return to democracy. source: washingtonpost.com
- 10 Mar French socialists lose regional elections; National Front gains 9%: On March 10, 1985, French regional elections resulted in significant losses for the Socialist Party, which had been in power since 1981. The conservative and right-wing parties secured a majority of the votes, while the National Front, a far-right party, achieved 9% of the vote. This shift indicated a growing discontent with the Socialist government's policies and marked a notable change in France's political landscape. source: washingtonpost.com
- 23 Mar Death of Patricia Roberts Harris: Patricia Roberts Harris, the first African American woman to serve in a U.S. presidential cabinet, passed away on March 23, 1985. She was a prominent figure in American politics, serving as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and later as Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare under President Jimmy Carter. Her contributions to civil rights and public service have left a lasting legacy. source: nytimes.com
- 29 Mar Christos Sartzetakis elected President of Greece: On March 29, 1985, Christos Sartzetakis, a Supreme Court judge, was elected President of Greece by the Hellenic Parliament, succeeding Konstantinos Karamanlis. His election was marked by political controversy, with the opposition contesting the legality of the process, particularly the participation of Acting President Ioannis Alevras in the vote. Sartzetakis was sworn in on March 30, 1985, in a ceremony boycotted by conservative opposition leaders who refused to recognize his election. source: upi.com
- 31 Mar El Salvador's 1985 Legislative Elections: On March 31, 1985, El Salvador held legislative elections, resulting in the Christian Democratic Party (PDC) securing 33 of the 60 seats in the Legislative Assembly. The Nationalist Republican Alliance (ARENA) won 13 seats, and the National Conciliation Party (PCN) obtained 12 seats. Voter turnout was approximately 42%. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 03 Apr France announces shift to proportional representation in electoral system: On April 3, 1985, the French Socialist government, led by President François Mitterrand, announced a significant change in the country's electoral system, moving from a winner-take-all constituency system to proportional representation. This reform aimed to bolster the Socialist Party's position in the upcoming 1986 legislative elections. The decision was met with criticism from opposition parties, who viewed it as a strategic move to favor the left. Additionally, Agriculture Minister Michel Rocard resigned in protest, expressing concerns that the new system could lead to unstable coalition governments. source: washingtonpost.com
- 04 Apr France announces electoral system reform to introduce proportional representation: On April 3, 1985, France's Socialist government, led by President François Mitterrand, announced plans to replace the existing winner-take-all constituency system with proportional representation. This change aimed to be implemented in time for the legislative elections in early 1986. The reform was intended to address concerns about potential confrontations between the president and a right-leaning National Assembly, as the previous system often resulted in a dominant majority for one party, leading to political tensions. source: washingtonpost.com
- 14 Apr Alan García elected President of Peru: On April 14, 1985, Alan García was elected President of Peru, securing 53.1% of the vote in the general election. His party, the American Popular Revolutionary Alliance (APRA), also gained a majority in both houses of Congress. García was inaugurated on July 28, 1985, becoming the youngest president in Peruvian history at the age of 36. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 21 Apr Brazilian presidential transition following Tancredo Neves' death: Tancredo Neves, elected President of Brazil, died on April 21, 1985, before taking office. His death led to the inauguration of Vice President José Sarney, marking a significant transition in Brazilian politics after years of military rule. This event was pivotal in Brazil's return to democracy. source: britannica.com
- 02 Jun Greek parliamentary election held on June 2, 1985: On June 2, 1985, Greece held parliamentary elections in which the ruling Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK), led by Andreas Papandreou, was re-elected, defeating the conservative New Democracy party of Constantine Mitsotakis. PASOK secured 45.82% of the vote, winning 161 seats, while New Democracy received 40.84%, obtaining 126 seats. The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) won 9.89% of the vote, gaining 12 seats. source: hellenicparliament.gr
- 05 Jul Zimbabwe's ruling party leads in 1985 parliamentary elections: In the 1985 parliamentary elections, Prime Minister Robert Mugabe's Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) secured a majority, winning 57 of the 79 seats contested. The opposition Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU), led by Joshua Nkomo, won 12 seats, with results from the remaining constituencies pending. The elections highlighted deep political and ethnic divisions, particularly between the Shona-speaking majority and the Ndebele minority in Matabeleland. source: washingtonpost.com
- 13 Jul George H.W. Bush serves as acting president during Reagan's surgery: On July 13, 1985, President Ronald Reagan underwent surgery to remove a colon polyp. Prior to the procedure, Reagan signed a letter transferring presidential authority to Vice President George H.W. Bush, making him the first 'acting president' under the 25th Amendment. The transfer lasted approximately eight hours, from 11:28 a.m. to 7:22 p.m., after which Reagan resumed his duties. source: reaganlibrary.gov
- 28 Jul Uganda's new military rulers suspend constitution and dissolve parliament: On July 28, 1985, following a military coup led by Brigadier Basilio Olara Okello, Uganda's new military rulers suspended the constitution, dissolved parliament, and imposed a curfew in the capital, Kampala. The coup resulted in at least four civilian deaths and widespread looting in the city. The military authorities announced plans to hold free and fair elections in the future. source: washingtonpost.com
- 06 Aug Víctor Paz Estenssoro inaugurated as Bolivia's president for fourth term: Víctor Paz Estenssoro, leader of the Nationalist Revolutionary Movement (MNR), was inaugurated as Bolivia's president on August 6, 1985, marking his fourth term in office. Despite finishing second in the July 14 presidential elections, Paz Estenssoro was elected by Congress due to the absence of a majority winner. His inauguration was attended by international dignitaries, including the presidents of Argentina, Colombia, and Uruguay. In his address, Paz Estenssoro pledged to address Bolivia's severe economic crisis, characterized by hyperinflation and a devalued currency, and to implement a 'democratic revolution' to stabilize the nation. source: washingtonpost.com
- 17 Aug Rajiv Gandhi announces Punjab state elections: On August 17, 1985, Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi announced that elections would be held in Punjab state on September 25, 1985. This decision followed the signing of the Rajiv-Longowal Accord on July 24, 1985, which aimed to address Sikh demands and end the agitation in the region. Despite concerns over security due to ongoing violence, the government proceeded with the election plan. source: upi.com
- 15 Sep Olof Palme's Social Democrats win 1985 Swedish general election: In the 1985 Swedish general election held on September 15, Prime Minister Olof Palme's Social Democratic Party secured 159 of the 349 seats in the Riksdag, maintaining their position as the largest party. Despite a narrow victory, Palme formed a minority government with support from the Left Party Communists. The Social Democrats received 44.68% of the vote, while the opposition parties garnered 55.32%. source: csmonitor.com
- 25 Sep Akali Dal wins Punjab state election: On September 25, 1985, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) secured a decisive victory in the Punjab Legislative Assembly elections, winning 73 of the 117 seats. This marked the first time the SAD formed a government without a coalition. The Indian National Congress (INC) secured 32 seats, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 6 seats. Surjit Singh Barnala, the SAD leader, was appointed Chief Minister, succeeding the period of President's rule imposed since 1983. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 13 Oct Christian People's Party wins Belgian parliamentary election: In the Belgian general election held on October 13, 1985, the Christian People's Party (CVP) emerged as the largest party, securing 49 of the 212 seats in the Chamber of Representatives. This marked an increase of six seats from the previous election. The CVP's leader, Wilfried Martens, continued as Prime Minister, leading a coalition government with the Liberal Reformist Party (PRL) and the Socialist Party (PS). source: washingtonpost.com
- 29 Oct Samuel K. Doe declared winner of Liberia's first multi-party election: On October 29, 1985, Samuel K. Doe was proclaimed the winner of Liberia's first multi-party presidential election, securing 50.9% of the vote. However, the election was marred by widespread allegations of fraud, including ballot burning and vote manipulation, leading to disputes over the legitimacy of the results. source: washingtonpost.com
- 03 Nov Radical Civic Union wins Argentine legislative elections: On November 3, 1985, Argentina held legislative elections in which the ruling Radical Civic Union (UCR) party, led by President Raúl Alfonsín, secured a significant victory. The UCR obtained 43.58% of the vote, winning 65 out of 127 seats in the Chamber of Deputies, thereby increasing its majority. The main opposition, the Justicialist Liberation Front (FREJULI), received 24.49% of the vote, securing 37 seats. This outcome was seen as an endorsement of Alfonsín's anti-inflation measures and his decision to prosecute former military junta members for human rights abuses. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 04 Nov 1985 Election Day Floods in West Virginia and Virginia: In early November 1985, severe flooding occurred in West Virginia and Virginia, triggered by two Gulf-origin low-pressure systems bringing record rainfall across the Potomac, Cheat, and Monongahela basins. The floods resulted in 38 fatalities and nearly $700 million in damage in West Virginia, while Virginia experienced 22 deaths and $753 million in damages. The event coincided with Election Day, leading to its name as the "Election Day Floods." source: en.wikipedia.org
- 13 Nov Xavier Suarez becomes Miami's first Cuban-born mayor: On November 13, 1985, Xavier Suarez was elected as Miami's first Cuban-born mayor, defeating millionaire banker Raul Masvidal in a runoff election. Suarez secured 56.7% of the vote, marking a significant milestone in Miami's political history. source: latimes.com
- 22 Nov Antillean Parliamentary Election Results: The PNP/MAN political coalition secured victory in the Antillean parliamentary elections, signifying a notable moment in the region's democratic process.
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