2009 Elections & Political Transitions Events — Verified Historical Highlights

2009 Elections & Political Transitions Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to

03 Jan John Atta Mills Wins Ghana's Presidential Election: John Atta Mills of the National Democratic Congress narrowly defeats Nana Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party in Ghana's 2008 presidential election runoff.
05 Jan Minnesota Senate race certification: On January 5, 2009, the Minnesota State Canvassing Board certified the results of the 2008 U.S. Senate election, declaring Al Franken the winner over Norm Coleman. This certification concluded a lengthy recount process. source: en.wikipedia.org
08 Jan North Korea Announces Parliamentary Elections: North Korea declared it would hold its delayed parliamentary elections on March 8, signaling a potential political event in the closed-off nation.
14 Jan David Cameron pledges EU referendum: On January 14, 2009, David Cameron, leader of the Conservative Party in the UK, pledged to hold a referendum on the UK's membership in the European Union, signaling a significant shift in the party's stance on EU relations. source: theguardian.com
17 Jan Opposition Party Wins Malaysian By-election: In the Kuala Terengganu By-election, the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party defeated the ruling Barisan Nasional party, signaling potential political shifts.
20 Jan Barack Obama's historic presidential inauguration: On January 20, 2009, Barack Obama was inaugurated as the 44th president of the United States, becoming the first African American to hold the office. The event drew a record crowd and was marked by themes of hope and change. source: npr.org
27 Jan Fiji Rejects Pacific Islands Forum Election Deadline: Fiji refused to meet the Pacific Islands Forum's deadline of setting an election date by May 1st, highlighting ongoing political tensions and democratic challenges in the Pacific region.
29 Jan Afghanistan election delay announced: On January 29, 2009, officials announced a delay in the upcoming presidential elections in Afghanistan, originally scheduled for May. The postponement was attributed to security concerns and logistical challenges, raising questions about the electoral process in the country amid ongoing conflict. source: bbc.com
03 Feb Obama Nominates Judd Gregg for Commerce Secretary: President Obama nominated Republican Senator Judd Gregg to serve as Secretary of Commerce, demonstrating a bipartisan approach to cabinet selection early in his presidency.
10 Feb Israeli General Election: Israel held a general election where Tzipi Livni's Kadima party won the most votes with 28 seats, narrowly edging out Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party with 27 seats. Netanyahu was expected to form the coalition government.
15 Feb Venezuela Constitutional Referendum Approves Presidential Term Limit Removal: On February 15, 2009, Venezuelan voters approved a constitutional amendment to eliminate term limits for elected officials, allowing President Hugo Chávez to seek re-election beyond his current term. source: washingtonpost.com
21 Feb Leadership change in Italy's Democratic Party: On February 21, 2009, the Italian Democratic Party elected Pier Luigi Bersani as its new leader. Bersani's election was seen as a move to unify the party and strengthen its position in Italian politics. source: reuters.com
01 Mar Basque Nationalist Party Electoral Victory: The Basque Nationalist Party secured a majority of seats in the Parliamentary Elections for Spain's Basque Country, demonstrating significant regional political influence.
07 Mar Afghanistan sets presidential election date: On March 7, 2009, Afghanistan's Independent Election Commission announced that the country's presidential election would be held on August 20, 2009. This decision marked a significant step in Afghanistan's democratic process, aiming to elect a new president amid ongoing security challenges. source: reuters.com
08 Mar North Korean legislative elections: On March 8, 2009, North Korea held its legislative elections, with the Supreme People's Assembly being the only candidate on the ballot. The elections were widely criticized as a formality, with no real political competition or choice for voters. source: reuters.com
18 Mar Madagascar Presidential Election Confirmed: The constitutional court of Madagascar supports the election of Andry Rajoelina as President, marking a significant political development in the country.
21 Mar Queensland Election Result: Anna Bligh of the Labor Party was re-elected as Premier of Queensland, Australia, continuing her leadership of the state government.
23 Mar Macedonia Presidential Election First Round: Gjorge Ivanov of the VMRO–DPMNE party led the first round of Macedonia's presidential elections, signaling potential political shifts in the country.
01 Apr Benjamin Netanyahu becomes Israeli Prime Minister: On April 1, 2009, Benjamin Netanyahu was sworn in as the Prime Minister of Israel, leading a new government following the elections.
04 Apr Slovakia Presidential Election: Ivan Gasparovic wins re-election after the second round of voting in Slovakia's presidential election, securing another term as the country's head of state.
05 Apr Moldovan Parliamentary Elections: The Communist Party secured an absolute majority in the Moldovan parliamentary elections, signaling continued political influence of communist ideology in the Eastern European nation.
06 Apr Macedonian Presidential Election: Gjorge Ivanov of the VMRO–DPMNE party wins the Macedonian presidential election, marking a significant political moment for the country.
09 Apr Indonesia General Election: Indonesia held legislative elections on April 9, 2009, for the People's Representative Council (DPR) and the Regional Representative Council (DPD). The Democratic Party won the largest share of the vote, followed by Golkar and the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle. source: en.wikipedia.org
11 Apr Abdelaziz Bouteflika re-elected in Algeria: On April 11, 2009, Abdelaziz Bouteflika was re-elected as President of Algeria, securing a third term in office. Bouteflika won the election with a significant majority, despite facing criticism over his extended tenure and concerns about the transparency of the electoral process. His re-election was seen as a continuation of his policies aimed at national reconciliation and economic development. source: reuters.com
16 Apr Naxalite violence during Indian elections: On April 16, 2009, violence erupted in India during elections, attributed to Naxalite insurgents. The attacks resulted in multiple casualties and raised concerns over security during the electoral process. source: bbc.com
17 Apr Communist Party wins Moldova elections: On April 17, 2009, the Communist Party of Moldova won a significant victory in the parliamentary elections. This outcome was pivotal in shaping the political landscape of the country. source: reuters.com
22 Apr South Africa Holds General Election: South Africa commenced its general election, a crucial democratic process for the nation's political representation and governance.
23 Apr India's General Election Continues: The second phase of India's general election was completed, representing a significant democratic process in the world's largest democracy.
24 Apr ANC Wins South African Elections: South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) secured a decisive victory, winning 67% of the vote. Jacob Zuma was set to become president, despite previous controversies including rape and corruption allegations.
25 Apr African National Congress wins South African election: On April 25, 2009, the African National Congress (ANC) was declared the winner of the South African general election, securing a significant majority. This victory reaffirmed the party's dominance in South African politics since the end of apartheid. source: bbc.com
26 Apr Rafael Correa re-elected in Ecuador: On April 26, 2009, Rafael Correa was re-elected as President of Ecuador, securing a significant victory in the elections. His re-election was seen as a continuation of his policies and governance style. source: reuters.com
09 May Jacob Zuma becomes President of South Africa: On May 9, 2009, Jacob Zuma was inaugurated as the President of South Africa following the African National Congress's victory in the national elections. His presidency marked a new chapter in South African politics. source: bbc.com
16 May Yukio Hatoyama elected president of the Democratic Party of Japan: Yukio Hatoyama was elected president of the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) on May 16, 2009, succeeding Ichirō Ozawa. Hatoyama won 124 votes against Katsuya Okada's 95 votes in the leadership election. source: japantimes.co.jp
17 May Lithuania elects first female president: On May 17, 2009, Lithuania elected its first female president, Dalia Grybauskaitė. Known for her strong stance on economic reforms and anti-corruption measures, Grybauskaitė's election marked a significant milestone in Lithuania's political history. source: en.wikipedia.org
19 May Manmohan Singh re-elected as Indian Prime Minister: On May 19, 2009, Manmohan Singh was re-elected as the Prime Minister of India. His party, the Indian National Congress, secured a decisive victory in the general elections, allowing him to continue his tenure as the head of the government. source: en.wikipedia.org
21 May Security Breach at Serbian Presidential Residence: An unidentified man entered the official presidential residence in Belgrade, Serbia, carrying at least one hand grenade, and subsequently surrendered to authorities.
22 May British Special Election: The Conservative Party won a special election, which was interpreted as a potential indicator of shifting political sentiment in the United Kingdom.
23 May Madhav Kumar Nepal elected as Nepal's Prime Minister: Madhav Kumar Nepal was elected as the Prime Minister of Nepal on May 23, 2009, following a vote in the Constituent Assembly. His election marked a significant political shift in the country as he took over from the previous Prime Minister, Pushpa Kamal Dahal. source: aljazeera.com
02 Jun Greenland Parliamentary Election: The Community of the People party wins Greenland's parliamentary election, potentially signaling shifts in the region's political dynamics and relationship with Denmark.
04 Jun European Parliamentary Elections Begin: The European Union parliamentary elections commence in the United Kingdom and Netherlands, representing a crucial democratic process for European representation.
05 Jun Political Assassination in Guinea-Bissau: Presidential election candidate Baciro Dabo and former Defense Minister Helder Proenca were killed by the Guinea-Bissau government after being accused of plotting a coup d'état.
06 Jun European Union parliamentary elections held: The European Union held its parliamentary elections, with citizens across member states voting for their representatives. The elections were significant as they determined the composition of the European Parliament for the next five years. source: europarl.europa.eu
07 Jun European Union parliamentary elections results announced: The results of the European Union parliamentary elections were officially announced, revealing shifts in party representation. The elections were closely watched, reflecting public sentiment on various issues across Europe. source: europarl.europa.eu
11 Jun Iran Presidential Election: Iran held its presidential election, a pivotal moment in the country's political landscape that would later spark significant controversy and widespread protests.
12 Jun Iranian presidential election results: The Iranian presidential election held on June 12, 2009, resulted in Mahmoud Ahmadinejad being declared the winner amid widespread allegations of fraud. The election sparked significant controversy and protests across the country, leading to a major political crisis. source: bbc.com
13 Jun Iranian presidential election protests: Following the controversial results of the June 12 election, protests erupted in Iran on June 13, 2009. Demonstrators took to the streets to contest the election outcome, leading to significant clashes with security forces and a crackdown on dissent. source: nytimes.com
14 Jun Iran post-election protests: On June 14, 2009, protests continued in Iran following the disputed presidential election results. Demonstrators expressed their anger over alleged electoral fraud, leading to a significant crackdown by government forces. source: bbc.com
15 Jun Iranian presidential election protests: On June 15, 2009, protests continued in Iran as citizens rallied against the results of the presidential election. The demonstrations were marked by significant unrest and a strong response from security forces, highlighting the ongoing political turmoil in the country. source: bbc.com
16 Jun Iranian Presidential Election Protests: Following the announcement of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's victory in the 2009 Iranian presidential election, widespread protests erupted across Iran, with demonstrators alleging electoral fraud. The protests, which began on June 13, intensified on June 16, leading to violent clashes between protesters and security forces. The government reported at least 36 fatalities, while opposition sources claimed over 70 deaths. The unrest continued for several months, significantly impacting Iran's political landscape. source: washingtonpost.com
27 Jun Karzai Invites Taliban to Participate in Elections: Afghan President Hamid Karzai called on the Taliban to participate in the upcoming August presidential elections, suggesting a potential diplomatic approach to conflict resolution.
29 Jun Iranian presidential election certification: On June 29, 2009, Iran's Guardian Council certified the results of the presidential election, declaring Mahmoud Ahmadinejad the winner amid widespread allegations of fraud. The election sparked significant protests and unrest across the country, leading to a crackdown on dissent. source: bbc.com
30 Jun Al Franken Wins Minnesota Senate Seat: The Minnesota Supreme Court officially declared Al Franken the winner of the November 2008 US Senate election, with a razor-thin margin of 312 votes. This result gave the Democratic Party a crucial 60-seat majority in the Senate.
05 Jul Bulgarian parliamentary elections: Bulgaria held parliamentary elections, resulting in a significant shift in the political landscape. The elections were closely monitored for fairness and transparency. source: bbc.com
08 Jul Ireland Schedules Second Lisbon Treaty Referendum: Taoiseach Brian Cowen announced that Ireland would hold a second referendum on the Treaty of Lisbon on October 2, following the previous rejection of the treaty.
12 Jul Democratic Party Triumph in Tokyo Election: The Tokyo prefectural election marked a significant political milestone, with the opposition Democratic Party of Japan securing the largest number of seats, signaling potential shifts in local political dynamics.
13 Jul Burma Promises Political Prisoner Release: Burma announced plans to release an unspecified number of political prisoners, ostensibly to enable their participation in the upcoming 2010 general elections, signaling potential political reforms.
14 Jul Judy Chu Makes Congressional History: Judy Chu became the first Chinese American woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, winning the 32nd district special election and breaking significant political barriers.
17 Jul Rafsanjani calls for political prisoner release: On July 17, 2009, former Iranian President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani publicly called for the release of political prisoners following the controversial presidential election. His statement highlighted the growing dissent and unrest in Iran during this period. source: reuters.com
18 Jul Irish Green Party Supports Lisbon Treaty: The Green Party of Ireland, a member of the ruling coalition, voted with a significant two-to-one majority to support the Treaty of Lisbon ahead of the upcoming October 2 referendum, demonstrating political alignment within the Irish government.
20 Jul Iranian reformists call for referendum on election results: On July 20, 2009, Iranian reformist leaders called for a national referendum to resolve disputes over the presidential election results. source: reuters.com
23 Jul Kyrgyzstan Presidential Election: Kyrgyzstan held its presidential election, marked by the withdrawal of main opposition candidate Almazbek Atambayev, signaling potential political instability in the Central Asian nation.
24 Jul Afghan Presidential Election Manifesto: On July 24, 2009, Afghan presidential candidate Hamid Karzai released his election manifesto, outlining his plans for the country's future. The manifesto focused on security, economic development, and social reforms. source: bbc.com
25 Jul Iraqi Kurdistan Electoral Process: Voters in Iraqi Kurdistan participated in presidential and legislative elections, representing an important democratic process in the semi-autonomous region and highlighting the ongoing political development in Iraq.
26 Jul Guinea-Bissau Presidential Runoff: Voters in Guinea-Bissau participated in a presidential runoff election between candidates Kumba Ialá and Malam Bacai Sanha, demonstrating the country's democratic process.
29 Jul Iran's Post-Election Crackdown: Iranian authorities announce plans to prosecute 20 protesters detained during demonstrations following the controversial presidential election, indicating continued government suppression of political dissent.
03 Aug Ahmadinejad's second presidential term confirmed: On August 3, 2009, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei formally endorsed Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's second term as president. The ceremony was notable for the absence of prominent political and religious figures, including former presidents Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani and Mohammad Khatami, and opposition candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi. source: washingtonpost.com
08 Aug Iranian Election Protests Legal Proceedings Continue: The second hearing related to the case against Iranian election protesters was resumed, reflecting ongoing legal and political tensions following the disputed 2009 Iranian presidential election.
09 Aug Sri Lankan Election Surprises: The governing coalition of Sri Lanka experiences mixed electoral results, winning Jaffna but being defeated in Vavuniya in surprising local elections.
26 Aug Zimbabwe Denies Presidential Health Rumors: Zimbabwe's government refutes reports suggesting President Robert Mugabe was ill, attempting to quash speculation about the leader's health and political status.
30 Aug Japan's historic political shift: On August 30, 2009, Japan's Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) achieved a historic victory in the general elections, ending over 50 years of nearly uninterrupted rule by the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). The DPJ's win marked a significant political shift in Japan's governance. source: bbc.com
01 Sep Fiji suspended from British Commonwealth: Fiji was suspended from the British Commonwealth following the military government's refusal to hold elections and restore democratic rule. source: bbc.com
02 Sep Greek Prime Minister announces intention to dissolve Parliament: On September 2, 2009, Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis announced his intention to request President Karolos Papoulias to dissolve Parliament and call for early elections, even though elections were not required until September 2011. source: en.wikipedia.org
06 Sep Political unrest erupts in Gabon: On September 6, 2009, political unrest broke out in Gabon following disputed election results. Protests and clashes occurred as citizens expressed dissatisfaction with the government, leading to heightened tensions in the region. source: bbc.com
08 Sep Kenya Reforms Police Force: In response to allegations of misconduct during post-election violence in 2007-2008, Kenya initiated a comprehensive restructuring of its senior police leadership.
10 Sep Political Tensions in Gabon: Following widespread protests alleging electoral fraud in the 2009 presidential election, the Gabonese government imposed a travel ban on opposition leaders, escalating political tensions in the country.
13 Sep German election debate: Merkel and Steinmeier appear together: On September 13, 2009, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and her challenger, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, participated in a televised election debate ahead of the federal elections. The debate focused on key issues such as the economy, healthcare, and foreign policy. source: dw.com
14 Sep Norwegian Parliamentary Elections: Norwegian citizens participated in the national parliamentary elections, exercising their democratic right to choose representatives for the country's legislative body.
15 Sep Norwegian Parliamentary Elections: In the Norwegian parliamentary elections, the Red-Green Coalition led by Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg was re-elected for a second term, demonstrating political continuity.
16 Sep Yukio Hatoyama Becomes Japan's Prime Minister: On September 16, 2009, Yukio Hatoyama was elected as Japan's Prime Minister, succeeding Taro Aso. Hatoyama, leader of the Democratic Party of Japan, assumed office after his party's victory in the general election. source: japantimes.co.jp
17 Sep Irish Catholic Bishops Support Lisbon Treaty Referendum: Senior Irish Catholic bishops officially announced that Roman Catholics are permitted to vote 'Yes' in the country's second referendum regarding the Treaty of Lisbon, signaling support for European integration.
27 Sep German federal election results announced: The German federal election held on September 27, 2009, resulted in a significant victory for Angela Merkel's Christian Democratic Union. The election was marked by discussions on economic recovery and social policies. source: bbc.com
29 Sep Gabon Election Controversy: Gabon's constitutional court recounted votes in the disputed presidential election won by Omar Bongo's son, highlighting ongoing political tensions and electoral challenges in the country.
01 Oct Ireland Approves Lisbon Treaty in Second Referendum: Ireland holds a second referendum on the European Union's Lisbon Treaty, successfully approving the amendment after it was previously rejected in June 2008. This vote was crucial for the treaty's implementation across the European Union.
02 Oct Ireland approves Lisbon Treaty: On October 2, 2009, Ireland approved the Lisbon Treaty in a national referendum. The treaty aimed to reform the European Union's institutions and decision-making processes, and Ireland's approval was crucial for its ratification. source: rte.ie
03 Oct Treaty of Lisbon referendum held in Ireland: On October 3, 2009, Ireland held a referendum on the Treaty of Lisbon. The treaty aimed to reform the European Union's institutions and decision-making processes, and its approval was essential for its ratification. source: rte.ie
04 Oct PASOK Wins Greek General Election: On October 4, 2009, the Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) won the Greek general election, securing 160 seats in the 300-member parliament. This victory marked a significant shift in Greek politics, ending the New Democracy party's eight-year rule and bringing PASOK leader George Papandreou to power. source: reuters.com
10 Oct Death Sentences in Iran Protests: Three individuals arrested during protests against Iran's disputed presidential elections were sentenced to death, highlighting the severe political repression and human rights concerns in the country.
11 Oct Moscow Local Elections: Moscow held elections for mayor, regional, and district councils, demonstrating local democratic processes.
20 Oct Niger holds legislative elections amid constitutional controversy: On October 20, 2009, Niger conducted legislative elections following a controversial constitutional referendum in August that extended President Mamadou Tandja's term. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) suspended Niger, stating it would not recognize the election results due to the constitutional changes. source: voanews.com
21 Oct First Vote of No Confidence in Marshall Islands: In a historic political moment, President Litokwa Tomeing was defeated in the country's first-ever vote of no confidence. Ruben Zackhras became acting president, with a new election scheduled for October 23, 2009.
30 Oct Honduras Political Crisis Resolution: On October 30, 2009, representatives from the deposed government of President Manuel Zelaya and the de facto government led by Roberto Micheletti reached an agreement to resolve the political crisis in Honduras. The accord stipulated that the National Congress would decide on Zelaya's reinstatement, allowing for the continuation of scheduled elections on November 29, 2009. source: csis.org
07 Nov German federal election 2009: The German federal election took place on September 27, 2009, but the new government was officially formed on November 7, 2009. Angela Merkel's party secured a coalition, marking a significant moment in German politics. source: bbc.com
08 Nov Northern Mariana Islands Gubernatorial Cliffhanger: The 2009 Northern Mariana Islands General Election results in an unprecedented tie between Republican candidate Heinz Hofschneider and incumbent Governor Benigno Fitial, necessitating a runoff election.
12 Nov Glasgow North East By-Election: Labour candidate Willie Bain was elected to replace Michael Martin, the former Speaker of the British House of Commons, in a significant local political transition in Glasgow North East.
15 Nov Iran's Parliament Approves Ministerial Selections: Iran's Parliament approved President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad's last three ministerial selections, reinforcing the government's political structure.
16 Nov Kosovo's First Post-Independence Election: On November 16, 2009, Kosovo held its first elections since declaring independence from Serbia in 2008. The elections were seen as a crucial step in establishing democratic governance and legitimacy in the newly independent state. source: bbc.com
18 Nov Iraq Election Law Controversy: On November 18, 2009, Iraq faced controversy over its election law, which was seen as potentially disenfranchising certain voters ahead of the upcoming elections. This raised concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. source: reuters.com
23 Nov Northern Mariana Islands Historic Gubernatorial Election: The Northern Mariana Islands experienced its most closely contested gubernatorial election in history, with Heinz Hofschneider defeating incumbent Governor Benigno Fitial by a mere 8 votes in the first round.
28 Nov Sri Lankan opposition leader announces presidential candidacy: On November 28, 2009, Sarath Fonseka, a former military chief and opposition leader in Sri Lanka, announced his candidacy for the upcoming presidential elections. His decision marked a significant challenge to the incumbent president, Mahinda Rajapaksa. source: bbc.com
06 Dec Evo Morales Re-elected in Bolivian General Election: Bolivian voters participated in general elections, with exit polls indicating a victory for incumbent President Evo Morales, reinforcing his political leadership in the country.
07 Dec Bolivia Presidential Election: President Evo Morales wins a second consecutive five-year term in Bolivia's presidential election, solidifying his political leadership and continuing his progressive political agenda.
10 Dec Thai Political Protests: Protesters in Bangkok were demanding new elections, reflecting ongoing political tensions and democratic aspirations in Thailand.
12 Dec First Presidential Elections in Abkhazia: Abkhazia, a breakaway region of Georgia, held its first presidential elections, highlighting ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Caucasus region.
13 Dec Sudan Independence Referendum Agreement: The Sudanese cabinet approved the draft bill for the South Sudan Referendum, the Abyei Referendum, and the Act of People’s Consultation in South Kordofan and the Blue Nile. This legislation paved the way for a 2011 referendum on South Sudan's potential secession, as outlined in the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement. source: aljazeera.com
14 Dec Sebastian Pinera Wins First Round of Chilean Presidential Election: Centre-right candidate Sebastian Pinera won the first round of Chile's presidential election, securing his place in a runoff against centre-left candidate Eduardo Frei scheduled for January 17.
27 Dec Iranian election protests on Day of Ashura: On December 27, 2009, during the Islamic observance of Ashura, protests erupted in Iran following the disputed presidential election. Security forces clashed with demonstrators, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries. The government imposed strict measures to suppress the unrest. source: reuters.com

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