1990 Elections & Political Transitions Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1990 Elections & Political Transitions Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 01 Jan David Dinkins becomes New York City's first Black mayor: On January 1, 1990, David N. Dinkins was inaugurated as the 106th Mayor of New York City, becoming the first African American to hold the position. Prior to his election, Dinkins served as Manhattan borough president and held various public service roles, including member of the New York State Assembly and president of the city's Board of Elections. His tenure focused on addressing issues such as crime, housing, and racial tensions in the city. source: washingtonpost.com
- 05 Feb Manuel Fraga becomes President of the Xunta de Galicia: On February 5, 1990, Manuel Fraga was inaugurated as the President of the Xunta de Galicia, succeeding Fernando González Laxe. Fraga's election followed the People's Party of Galicia's victory in the 1989 regional elections, where they secured a majority in the Parliament of Galicia. His tenure marked a significant period in Galician politics, with Fraga serving as president until 2005. source: elpais.com
- 18 Feb 1990 Japanese general election results: On February 18, 1990, Japan held a general election for all 512 seats in the House of Representatives. The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), led by Prime Minister Toshiki Kaifu, secured 275 seats, maintaining a majority but losing 25 seats compared to the previous election. The Japan Socialist Party (JSP), under Takako Doi, made significant gains, winning 136 seats, an increase of 51 seats. Other parties, including Kōmeitō, the Japanese Communist Party, and the Democratic Socialist Party, experienced seat losses. Voter turnout was 73.31%. source: washingtonpost.com
- 24 Feb Nicaragua's 1990 Democratic Transition: On February 25, 1990, Nicaragua held its first free and fair elections in decades, leading to the peaceful transfer of power from the Sandinista government to the National Opposition Union (UNO). Violeta Chamorro, representing the UNO, won the presidency with 54.7% of the vote, defeating incumbent Daniel Ortega of the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN). Ortega conceded defeat, and Chamorro was inaugurated on April 25, 1990, marking a significant milestone in Nicaragua's democratic development. source: washingtonpost.com
- 26 Feb Violeta Chamorro defeats Daniel Ortega in Nicaraguan presidential election: In the general elections held on February 25, 1990, Violeta Barrios de Chamorro, candidate of the National Opposition Union (UNO), won the presidency with 54.7% of the vote, defeating incumbent Daniel Ortega of the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN), who received 40.8%. This marked the first peaceful transfer of power in Nicaragua's history, ending over a decade of Sandinista rule. Ortega conceded defeat and pledged to respect the 'popular mandate'. source: washingtonpost.com
- 12 Mar Patricio Aylwin inaugurated as Chile's first civilian president in 16 years: On March 11, 1990, Patricio Aylwin was sworn in as Chile's first civilian president since 1973, marking the end of 16 years of military rule under General Augusto Pinochet. Aylwin's inauguration followed a December 1989 election, the first democratic elections since 1970, and was part of a broader transition to democracy initiated by the 1988 plebiscite rejecting Pinochet's extended rule. The event was celebrated by thousands in Santiago, who cheered as Aylwin addressed the crowd, emphasizing the peaceful return to democracy. source: upi.com
- 13 Mar Nicholas Brathwaite sworn in as Prime Minister of Grenada: Following the National Democratic Congress's victory in the 1990 parliamentary elections, Nicholas Brathwaite was appointed Prime Minister of Grenada on March 16, 1990. His party secured seven of the fifteen parliamentary seats, forming a coalition government. source: uwispace.sta.uwi.edu
- 14 Mar Gorbachev elected president of the Soviet Union: On March 14, 1990, Mikhail Gorbachev was elected as the first executive president of the Soviet Union by the Congress of People's Deputies. He secured 1,329 votes in favor and 495 against, marking a significant step in his reform agenda. This election granted him broad new powers, including the ability to nominate the prime minister and dissolve the Supreme Soviet. Gorbachev's presidency aimed to consolidate authority and advance his perestroika reforms. source: washingtonpost.com
- 15 Mar Gorbachev elected as first executive president of the Soviet Union: On March 15, 1990, Mikhail Gorbachev was elected as the first executive president of the Soviet Union by the Congress of People's Deputies. He secured 1,329 votes in favor and 495 against, marking a significant shift in Soviet governance. This election was part of Gorbachev's broader reforms, including the removal of the Communist Party's monopoly on power by amending Article 6 of the Soviet Constitution. source: washingtonpost.com
- 18 Mar First free elections in East Germany held on March 18, 1990: On March 18, 1990, East Germany conducted its first free and fair parliamentary elections, marking a significant shift from its previous one-party rule. The conservative Alliance for Germany, advocating for rapid reunification with West Germany, secured 48.15% of the vote, just shy of an absolute majority in the 400-seat Volkskammer. The Social Democratic Party (SDP) followed with 21.84%, while the rebranded Socialist Unity Party, now the Party of Democratic Socialism (PDS), garnered 16.4%. This election set the stage for German reunification, which was realized later that year. source: washingtonpost.com
- 24 Mar Hungary holds first free multiparty elections in over four decades: On March 25, 1990, Hungary conducted its first free multiparty elections since 1945, marking a significant shift from its communist past. The Hungarian Democratic Forum (MDF), a conservative nationalist party, emerged as the largest party in parliament, securing approximately 24.73% of the vote. The Alliance of Free Democrats (SZDSZ), a liberal party advocating rapid free-market reforms, followed with about 21.39%. The Hungarian Socialist Party, formerly the Communist Party, received around 10.89%, indicating a substantial decline in its support. These elections paved the way for József Antall of the MDF to become prime minister, leading a coalition government without communist participation. source: washingtonpost.com
- 06 Apr Greek legislative election held on April 8, 1990: Early parliamentary elections were held in Greece on April 8, 1990. The conservative New Democracy party, led by Konstantinos Mitsotakis, won 150 seats, while the Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK), led by Andreas Papandreou, secured 123 seats. To achieve a majority in the 300-seat Parliament, New Democracy formed a coalition with Democratic Renewal, which had one seat, bringing their total to 151 seats. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 11 Apr Slovenia holds first multiparty elections since 1938: On April 8, 1990, Slovenia conducted its first multiparty elections since 1938, marking a significant shift from its previous one-party system. The Democratic Opposition of Slovenia (DEMOS), a coalition of newly established democratic parties, secured 54.8% of the vote, leading to the formation of the first multiparty government. Milan Kučan was elected President in a subsequent runoff on April 22, 1990. source: gov.si
- 22 Apr 1990 Nigerian military coup attempt: On April 22, 1990, Major Gideon Orkar led a failed coup against General Ibrahim Babangida's government in Nigeria. Rebel troops seized the FRCN radio station and various military posts around Lagos, including the military headquarters and presidential residence, the Dodan Barracks. Babangida was present when the barracks were attacked but managed to escape by a back route. The coup was crushed after ten hours of fighting, resulting in the execution of 42 men convicted of involvement in the attempt. source: washingtonpost.com
- 16 May 1990 Dominican Republic Presidential Election: On May 16, 1990, the Dominican Republic held its presidential election. Joaquín Balaguer of the Social Christian Reformist Party (PRSC) was declared the winner, securing approximately 35.05% of the vote. His main rival, Juan Bosch of the Dominican Liberation Party (PLD), received about 33.79%. The election faced allegations of fraud, leading to protests and calls for electoral reforms. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 19 May Romania holds first post-communist elections: On May 20, 1990, Romania conducted its first free elections since the fall of the communist regime in December 1989. The National Salvation Front (FSN), led by Ion Iliescu, secured a decisive victory, with Iliescu winning the presidency with 85% of the vote. The FSN also dominated parliamentary seats, obtaining 67% in the Assembly of Deputies and 77% in the Senate. Voter turnout was approximately 86%. source: washingtonpost.com
- 21 May Burma's 1990 democratic election results annulled by military junta: In May 1990, Burma held its first multi-party elections since 1960, resulting in a landslide victory for Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD), which secured 392 of the 492 seats. However, the military junta, known as the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC), refused to honor the election results, maintaining control and suppressing opposition figures. This led to international condemnation and the imprisonment of many NLD members. source: britannica.com
- 27 May 1990 Myanmar general election: On May 27, 1990, Myanmar held its first multi-party elections since 1960, resulting in a landslide victory for the National League for Democracy (NLD), led by Aung San Suu Kyi, which secured 392 of the 492 seats. Despite this, the military junta refused to recognize the results and continued its rule until 2011. Voter turnout was 73%. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 28 May Eugenia Charles leads Dominica Freedom Party to victory in 1990 general election: On May 28, 1990, Dominica held general elections in which the Dominica Freedom Party (DFP), led by Prime Minister Eugenia Charles, secured 11 of the 21 seats in the House of Assembly, retaining a majority. The United Workers' Party (UWP) won 6 seats, and the Dominica Labour Party (DLP) obtained 4 seats. This outcome marked Charles's third consecutive term as Prime Minister. source: electoraloffice.gov.dm
- 30 May Croatia establishes democratic parliament on May 30, 1990: On May 30, 1990, Croatia's first free, multiparty democratic elections resulted in the formation of a new parliament, marking the end of 45 years of communist rule. The Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) secured a majority, leading to the establishment of a democratic parliament. This event is commemorated annually as Croatian Parliament Day. source: sabor.hr
- 07 Jun Czechoslovakia holds first free elections in 44 years: On June 8 and 9, 1990, Czechoslovakia conducted its first free elections since 1946, following the peaceful 'Velvet Revolution' that ended Communist rule. The pro-democracy Civic Forum, led by Václav Havel, secured a majority in both chambers of Parliament, marking a significant shift in the nation's political landscape. source: washingtonpost.com
- 09 Jun Alberto Fujimori elected president of Peru in 1990: In the 1990 Peruvian general election, held on April 8, 1990, and a subsequent runoff on June 10, 1990, Alberto Fujimori, leader of the Cambio 90 party, defeated Mario Vargas Llosa of the Democratic Front. Fujimori secured 62% of the vote in the runoff, becoming the 54th President of Peru. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 13 Jun Marion Barry announces decision not to seek fourth term as D.C. mayor: On June 13, 1990, Washington D.C. Mayor Marion Barry announced he would not seek re-election for a fourth term. Facing federal drug and perjury charges, Barry stated, "Therefore, tonight I'm announcing that Marion Barry will not be a candidate for re-election for my fourth term." He emphasized the need for personal healing and expressed gratitude for his years of service. source: washingtonpost.com
- 15 Jun 1990 Australian federal election: The 1990 Australian federal election was held on March 24, 1990, resulting in the Australian Labor Party (ALP), led by Bob Hawke, securing a fourth consecutive term. Despite the Liberal-National Coalition, led by Andrew Peacock, winning a slim majority of the two-party-preferred vote, the ALP retained 78 seats to the Coalition's 69, maintaining a majority in the House of Representatives. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 25 Jun Anti-Government Riots in Lusaka, Zambia: In late June 1990, Lusaka, Zambia's capital, experienced intense anti-government riots sparked by a 100% increase in the price of maize meal, the staple food. The unrest began on June 25, 1990, when students from the University of Zambia clashed with riot police, leading to widespread looting and violence. The protests quickly spread beyond the university campus, involving residents who were also affected by the soaring food prices. The government responded by imposing a dusk-to-dawn curfew and deploying police and paramilitary units to restore order. By June 27, the death toll was reported to be at least 25, with over 80 people injured. The unrest was fueled by public dissatisfaction with the government's economic policies and the one-party state system under President Kenneth Kaunda. In response to the riots, Kaunda announced plans for a referendum on introducing a multiparty democracy, though he remained opposed to the idea. The violence subsided after three days, but the events significantly challenged Kaunda's leadership and highlighted the growing demand for political reform in Zambia. source: upi.com
- 16 Jul Ukraine's Declaration of State Sovereignty: On July 16, 1990, the Verkhovna Rada of the Ukrainian SSR adopted the Declaration of State Sovereignty of Ukraine, asserting the republic's independence and supremacy over Soviet laws. This pivotal document laid the groundwork for Ukraine's future independence, which was officially declared on August 24, 1991, and confirmed by a nationwide referendum on December 1, 1991. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 20 Jul Haiti's request for UN election monitors opposed by some Latin American countries: On July 20, 1990, Haiti's Provisional President Ertha Pascal Trouillot requested United Nations assistance to monitor the upcoming general elections scheduled for November 4, 1990. This request was met with opposition from several Latin American nations, including Bolivia, the Bahamas, and Cuba, who viewed the presence of a UN force in Haiti as interference in the region. Consequently, the UN General Assembly postponed the debate on the matter. source: upi.com
- 22 Jul Mongolia holds first multi-party election: On July 22, 1990, Mongolia conducted its first multi-party election, allowing citizens to vote for the People's Great Khural (Upper Chamber of Parliament) and local assemblies. This marked a significant shift from the previous single-party system, with the Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party (MPRP) and five opposition parties participating. The election was part of a broader democratic transition following widespread protests and the resignation of the MPRP's Politburo in March 1990. source: upi.com
- 28 Jul Alberto Fujimori becomes President of Peru: On July 28, 1990, Alberto Fujimori was sworn in as the 54th President of Peru, succeeding Alan García. Fujimori, a former agricultural engineer and university professor, emerged from political obscurity to win the presidency, defeating novelist Mario Vargas Llosa in a runoff election. His tenure was marked by significant economic reforms and efforts to combat insurgent groups, though it was also controversial due to human rights abuses and corruption allegations. source: britannica.com
- 01 Aug Zhelyu Zhelev elected as Bulgaria's first non-Communist president: On August 1, 1990, Zhelyu Zhelev, leader of the Union of Democratic Forces, was elected by Bulgaria's Grand National Assembly as the nation's first non-Communist president in over four decades. His election followed the resignation of President Petar Mladenov amid political turmoil. Zhelev's presidency marked a significant shift in Bulgaria's political landscape, signaling the end of Communist rule. source: deseret.com
- 06 Aug Benazir Bhutto's government dismissed by President Ghulam Ishaq Khan: On August 6, 1990, President Ghulam Ishaq Khan dismissed Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto's government, citing charges of corruption and mismanagement. The National Assembly was dissolved, and a state of emergency was declared. Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi was appointed as caretaker Prime Minister until general elections were held on October 24, 1990, which resulted in Nawaz Sharif becoming Prime Minister. source: hindustantimes.com
- 30 Aug Azerbaijan declares independence from Soviet Union: On August 30, 1991, the Supreme Soviet of the Republic of Azerbaijan adopted the "Declaration on the Restoration of State Independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan," proclaiming the country's independence from the Soviet Union. This declaration was followed by the adoption of the "Constitutional Act on State Independence" on October 18, 1991, and a nationwide referendum on December 29, 1991, in which the Azerbaijani people unanimously supported the restoration of independence. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 04 Sep Mike Moore elected leader of New Zealand Labour Party: On September 4, 1990, Mike Moore was elected leader of the New Zealand Labour Party, succeeding Geoffrey Palmer. Moore's leadership was seen as a strategic move to rejuvenate the party ahead of the upcoming general election. Despite the change, the Labour Party faced a significant defeat in the October 1990 general election, leading to the end of its two-term governance. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 24 Oct Pakistani general election results in power shift: In the October 24, 1990, Pakistani general election, the Islamic Democratic Alliance (IJI), led by Nawaz Sharif, won a majority in the National Assembly, marking a significant power shift from the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) of Benazir Bhutto. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 27 Oct Kyrgyzstan elects first president: On October 27, 1990, the Supreme Soviet of the Kirghiz SSR elected Askar Akayev as the republic's first president. Akayev, a former academic and loyalist to Mikhail Gorbachev, was chosen after the initial candidates failed to secure a majority, leading to their disqualification. His election marked a significant political shift in the region. source: departments.bucknell.edu
- 06 Nov Nawaz Sharif becomes Pakistan's Prime Minister: On November 6, 1990, Nawaz Sharif was sworn in as the 12th Prime Minister of Pakistan, succeeding Benazir Bhutto. His election followed the dismissal of Bhutto's government by President Ghulam Ishaq Khan, who utilized a constitutional clause to remove the elected government, citing corruption and inefficiency. Sharif's rise to power was facilitated by the support of the military and the formation of the conservative coalition, Islami Jamhoori Ittehad (IJI). source: britannica.com
- 09 Nov Mary Robinson elected President of Ireland: On November 9, 1990, Mary Robinson was elected as the first female President of Ireland. Her election was a historic moment for the country, symbolizing progress in gender equality and representation in Irish politics. source: theguardian.com
- 02 Dec First all-German parliamentary election post-reunification: On December 2, 1990, the first all-German parliamentary election since reunification was held. This election was a significant step in the reunification process, allowing citizens from both East and West Germany to vote together for the first time in decades. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 04 Dec Poland's first presidential election: On December 4, 1990, Poland held its first direct presidential election, marking a significant step in its transition to democracy. Lech Wałęsa emerged victorious, symbolizing the end of communist rule in the country. source: bbc.com
- 06 Dec Resignation of President Ershad in Bangladesh: Facing mounting protests and political unrest, President Hussain Muhammad Ershad resigned on December 6, 1990, transferring power to Chief Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed, who assumed the role of acting president. This marked a significant shift in Bangladesh's political landscape, leading to the formation of a caretaker government and the scheduling of new elections. source: washingtonpost.com
- 09 Dec Slobodan Milošević elected President of Serbia: On December 9, 1990, Slobodan Milošević was elected as the first President of the Republic of Serbia in the first multi-party elections held in the country. He led the Socialist Party of Serbia (SPS) and secured a significant majority of the votes. source: theguardian.com
- 16 Dec Haiti's democratic transition: Aristide's presidential election: On December 16, 1990, Jean-Bertrand Aristide was elected as the first democratically chosen president of Haiti. His election marked a significant milestone in Haiti's transition to democracy after years of dictatorship and political turmoil. Aristide's presidency was seen as a beacon of hope for many Haitians seeking democratic governance. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 22 Dec Lech Wałęsa becomes first democratically elected Polish president: On December 22, 1990, Lech Wałęsa was sworn in as Poland's first democratically elected president since 1926. A former electrician and leader of the Solidarity movement, Wałęsa's election marked a significant shift from communist rule to a democratic government in Poland. source: britannica.com
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