1987 Elections & Political Transitions Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1987 Elections & Political Transitions Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 26 Apr John Silkin, British Labour politician, dies at 64: John Ernest Silkin, a prominent British Labour politician and solicitor, passed away from a heart attack at his London home on April 26, 1987, at the age of 64. He had served as a Member of Parliament since 1963 and held various ministerial positions, including Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food from 1976 to 1979. Silkin was also a candidate in the 1980 Labour leadership election and the 1981 deputy leadership election. source: nytimes.com
- 03 May Gary Hart's presidential campaign ends amid infidelity allegations: On May 3, 1987, the Miami Herald reported that Democratic presidential candidate Gary Hart spent a weekend with model Donna Rice, leading to widespread media scrutiny. Hart's challenge to the press to follow him around backfired, and on May 8, he suspended his campaign, citing the invasive media coverage as the primary reason. source: washingtonpost.com
- 06 May Gary Hart denies affair reports amid campaign controversy: On May 6, 1987, Democratic presidential candidate Gary Hart addressed allegations of an extramarital affair with Donna Rice. He admitted to spending time with Rice but denied any immoral conduct, stating he made a mistake by "putting myself in circumstances that could be misconstrued." Hart vowed to continue his campaign despite the controversy. source: thecrimson.com
- 08 May Gary Hart suspends 1988 presidential campaign amid extramarital affair allegations: In May 1987, Democratic presidential candidate Gary Hart suspended his campaign after the Miami Herald reported on his extramarital affair with Donna Rice. Despite initially challenging the media to follow him, Hart withdrew from the race, citing invasive media coverage and personal reasons. The scandal marked a significant moment in American politics, highlighting the intersection of personal conduct and public life. source: history.com
- 03 Jun Vanuatu Labour Party founded on June 3, 1987: The Vanuatu Labour Party was established on June 3, 1987, initiated by various trade union organizations to participate in the 1987 parliamentary elections. Ephraim Kalsakau, leader of the Vanuatu Municipal Workers Union, proposed the formation of the party. In the 1987 elections, the party fielded four candidates, all trade union leaders, but did not secure any parliamentary seats. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 11 Jun Margaret Thatcher wins historic third term in UK general election: On June 11, 1987, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's Conservative Party secured a decisive victory in the UK general election, winning 376 seats to Labour's 229. This marked the first time in over 160 years that a British prime minister won three consecutive terms. Thatcher's campaign focused on a strong economy and national defense, leading to a majority of 102 seats in Parliament. source: news.bbc.co.uk
- 15 Jun Italian Socialist Party's performance in 1987 general election: In the 1987 Italian general election held on June 14–15, the Italian Socialist Party (PSI), led by Bettino Craxi, increased its share of the vote to 14.3%, up from 10.9% in 1983. This gain made the PSI the third-largest party in the Chamber of Deputies, securing 94 seats, a net increase of 21 seats. Despite this progress, the Christian Democracy (DC) party remained the largest, with 34.3% of the vote and 234 seats. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 29 Jun Roh Tae-woo's June 29 Declaration initiates South Korean democratization: On June 29, 1987, Roh Tae-woo, then-chairman of South Korea's ruling Democratic Justice Party, announced significant democratic reforms, including direct presidential elections, in response to widespread pro-democracy protests. This declaration marked a pivotal shift from authoritarian rule to democratic governance in South Korea. source: washingtonpost.com
- 04 Jul Australian Federal Election: Australian Prime Minister Robert Hawke's Labor government was re-elected for a third consecutive term, signaling continued public support for his leadership and political agenda.
- 10 Jul Oliver North testifies in Iran-Contra Affair Congressional Hearing: On July 10, 1987, Lt. Col. Oliver North testified before a joint congressional committee investigating the Iran-Contra Affair. During his testimony, North admitted to shredding documents related to the covert operations and acknowledged misleading Congress about his involvement. He claimed that he believed he had presidential authorization for his actions and that he acted on orders from his superiors. source: washingtonpost.com
- 11 Jul Australian Federal Election of 1987: The Australian Federal Election was held on July 11, 1987. This election resulted in a significant victory for the Australian Labor Party, led by Prime Minister Bob Hawke, who won a third consecutive term. The election was marked by issues such as economic management and social policy reforms. source: abc.net.au
- 15 Jul Poindexter testifies in Iran-Contra hearings: On July 15, 1987, former National Security Adviser John M. Poindexter testified before Congress regarding the Iran-Contra affair. He stated that he did not inform President Reagan about the diversion of funds from the Iran arms sales to support Nicaraguan rebels, aiming to protect the President from potential political embarrassment. Poindexter also admitted to destroying a presidential finding that authorized the arms-for-hostages deal, citing concerns over its political implications. source: csmonitor.com
- 25 Jul R. Venkataraman sworn in as India's eighth president: Ramaswamy Venkataraman, a veteran politician and former Vice President, was sworn in as the eighth President of India on July 25, 1987. The ceremony took place in Parliament House, with Chief Justice R.S. Pathak administering the oath of office. Venkataraman's election followed a three-way race, where he secured 740,148 votes, defeating V. R. Krishna Iyer and Mithilesh Kumar. source: upi.com
- 08 Sep Gary Hart admits to marital infidelity: On September 8, 1987, former U.S. Senator Gary Hart publicly acknowledged committing adultery during an interview on ABC's 'Nightline.' He admitted to being unfaithful in his 29-year marriage and expressed regret for his actions, stating, 'I made a serious mistake.' Hart also announced he was withdrawing from the 1988 presidential race, emphasizing his desire to contribute to the national debate in other ways. source: washingtonpost.com
- 12 Sep Ethiopia adopts new constitution: On September 12, 1987, Ethiopia adopted a new constitution, establishing the People's Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (PDRE). The constitution, which had been approved by a national referendum on February 1, 1987, came into effect on this date, inaugurating the PDRE and replacing the previous Provisional Military Administrative Council (PMAC) government. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 15 Sep Pat Robertson announces intention to seek Republican presidential nomination: On September 15, 1987, Pat Robertson, a television evangelist and founder of the Christian Broadcasting Network, announced his decision to seek the Republican presidential nomination. He cited the success of a year-long petition drive that garnered 3.3 million signatures from supporters urging him to run. Robertson stated he would formally declare his candidacy on October 1, 1987. source: washingtonpost.com
- 30 Sep Suriname adopts new constitution through referendum: On September 30, 1987, Suriname held a referendum in which over 96% of voters approved a new constitution, marking the return to democracy after the 1980 military coup. The constitution established a 51-seat unicameral National Assembly elected by proportional representation and a President elected by the Assembly. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 02 Oct Margaret Thatcher serves as UK Prime Minister: On October 2, 1987, Margaret Thatcher was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, leading the Conservative Party. She had been in office since 1979, becoming the first woman to hold the position. Thatcher's government was known for its economic policies, including privatization and deregulation. She was re-elected in the 1987 general election, securing a third term in office. source: news.bbc.co.uk
- 10 Oct Jesse Jackson launches 1988 presidential campaign in Raleigh, North Carolina: On October 10, 1987, Jesse Jackson formally announced his candidacy for the 1988 Democratic presidential nomination in Raleigh, North Carolina. Addressing a crowd of 5,000 supporters, Jackson emphasized themes of patriotism, duty, and opportunity, stating, "I want to serve America." He positioned himself as part of a new mainstream of Americans, including workers, farmers, and minorities, who he believed were victims of "economic violence" due to multinational corporations and misguided government policies. source: washingtonpost.com
- 22 Oct Bophuthatswana Democratic Party wins 1987 parliamentary elections: In the parliamentary elections held on October 22, 1987, the Bophuthatswana Democratic Party (BDP), led by Lucas Mangope, secured 66 of the 72 elected seats in the National Assembly. The remaining six seats were won by the People's Progressive Party (PPP). The BDP's dominance in the election reaffirmed its political control over the homeland during that period. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 27 Oct South Korean voters approve new constitution: On October 27, 1987, South Korean voters overwhelmingly approved a new constitution that paved the way for direct presidential elections and restored democratic governance after years of authoritarian rule. The referendum saw a 78.2% voter turnout, with 93.1% in favor of the charter. This approval led to the first direct presidential elections in 16 years, scheduled for December 20, 1987. source: washingtonpost.com
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