2012 Elections & Political Transitions Events — Verified Historical Highlights

2012 Elections & Political Transitions Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 09 Jan UK-Scotland independence referendum dispute: On January 9, 2012, a dispute arose between the United Kingdom and Scotland regarding the terms of a proposed independence referendum. The UK government sought to limit the scope of the referendum, while the Scottish government aimed for a broader question on full independence. This disagreement highlighted ongoing tensions over Scotland's constitutional future. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 10 Jan Scottish independence referendum announcement: On January 10, 2012, the Scottish government announced plans to hold a referendum on Scottish independence. The proposed vote was scheduled for late 2014, aiming to determine whether Scotland should remain part of the United Kingdom or become an independent nation. This marked a significant step in Scotland's political history. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 11 Jan Republican Candidates Campaign in South Carolina: Republican presidential candidates intensify their campaign efforts in South Carolina ahead of the state's upcoming primary elections.
- 13 Jan Kiribati Presidential Election: Anote Tong is re-elected to a third and final term as President of Kiribati, continuing his leadership of the small Pacific island nation.
- 14 Jan Taiwan Presidential Election: In the 2012 Taiwanese presidential election, incumbent President Ma Ying-jeou secured re-election with 51% of the vote, defeating Democratic Progressive Party chairwoman Tsai Ing-wen. The election was a critical moment in Taiwan's democratic process.
- 17 Jan Yemen Confirms Upcoming Elections: Vice President Abdurabu Hadi confirms that presidential and parliamentary elections will proceed as scheduled, despite ongoing political instability.
- 19 Jan Rick Perry Exits Republican Presidential Primaries: Rick Perry withdrew from the 2012 Republican Party presidential primaries and endorsed rival candidate Newt Gingrich, signaling a strategic shift in the Republican nomination race.
- 21 Jan South Carolina Republican Primary: In the South Carolina Republican Party primary election, Newt Gingrich was declared the winner, with Mitt Romney finishing second. This primary was a crucial moment in the 2012 Republican presidential nomination process.
- 22 Jan Croatia Votes to Join European Union: Croatia held a national referendum on European Union membership, with 66% of voters supporting joining the EU, while 33% voted against membership. This marked a significant step in Croatia's European integration process.
- 30 Jan Deadly Protests in Senegal Over Election Decision: Two protesters were fatally shot by police in Podor, Senegal, during demonstrations against a Constitutional Council ruling that allowed President Abdoulaye Wade to run for re-election, reflecting significant political tensions in the country.
- 31 Jan Netanyahu Wins Likud Party Leadership: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secures a decisive victory in the Likud Party leadership election, defeating challenger Moshe Fenglin and reinforcing his political position.
- 04 Feb Mitt Romney wins Nevada Republican caucuses: Mitt Romney secured a decisive victory in Nevada's Republican presidential caucuses, obtaining 50.02% of the vote. His closest competitors were Newt Gingrich with 21.10%, Ron Paul at 18.73%, and Rick Santorum with 9.94%. This win marked Romney's second consecutive victory in the 2012 Republican primaries. source: cnbc.com
- 05 Feb Finnish presidential election: On February 5, 2012, Finland held its presidential election. The election was notable for its high voter turnout and the emergence of a strong independent candidate, leading to a runoff between the top two candidates. The election results had significant implications for Finland's domestic and foreign policies. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 07 Feb Maldives presidential crisis escalates: On February 7, 2012, political turmoil in the Maldives led to the resignation of President Mohamed Nasheed amid protests and allegations of a coup. The crisis highlighted ongoing political instability in the country, which had been marked by tensions between the government and opposition groups. source: bbc.com
- 11 Feb Maine Republican Caucuses: Mitt Romney narrowly defeated Ron Paul in the Maine Republican caucuses, continuing the competitive Republican primary race for the 2012 presidential nomination.
- 13 Feb Turkmenistan Presidential Election: Gurbanguli Berdymukhamedov was re-elected as president of Turkmenistan, winning a five-year term with an overwhelming 97% of the vote, highlighting the country's authoritarian political landscape.
- 21 Feb Yemen's Uncontested Presidential Election: Yemen holds a presidential election with Vice-President Abd Rabbuh Mansur al-Hadi as the sole candidate, symbolizing the country's complex political transition following the Arab Spring.
- 23 Feb Putin Rally in Moscow: Tens of thousands of supporters gathered at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium to demonstrate support for Vladimir Putin's presidential candidacy in the upcoming March election, signaling strong political momentum for his campaign.
- 24 Feb Gingrich Criticizes Obama's Afghanistan Apology: GOP presidential candidate Newt Gingrich strongly criticized President Obama for apologizing to the Afghan government regarding the Koran burning incident. Gingrich argued that the president 'surrendered' and that the situation was being exploited by extremists, despite ongoing violent anti-American protests.
- 26 Feb Russian Protests Against Putin: On February 26, 2012, large protests occurred in Russia against President Vladimir Putin, who was seeking re-election. The demonstrations were fueled by allegations of electoral fraud and widespread discontent with the political system. This marked a significant moment in Russian civil society's response to government actions. source: bbc.com
- 27 Feb Yemen Presidential Transition during Arab Spring: On February 27, 2012, Yemen officially transitioned to a new president, Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi, following the Arab Spring protests. This transition was part of a broader movement for political change in the region. However, challenges remained as the country faced ongoing instability and threats from extremist groups. source: bbc.com
- 02 Mar Iranian parliamentary elections held: On March 2, 2012, Iran conducted parliamentary elections for the 9th Islamic Consultative Assembly, or Majlis. Over 5,000 candidates registered, but more than a third were disqualified by the Guardian Council, leaving about 3,400 candidates to run for the 290 seats representing the 31 provinces. The election was described as a contest between Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, with Khamenei supporters winning a large majority of seats. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 03 Mar Wukan Village Rebellion in China: Residents of Wukan, a village in southern China, staged a rebellion against local officials and held independent council elections, demonstrating grassroots political resistance.
- 04 Mar Putin wins Russian presidential election: On March 4, 2012, Vladimir Putin was declared the winner of the Russian presidential election, securing a third term in office amid allegations of electoral irregularities. source: bbc.com
- 05 Mar Russian presidential election controversy: On March 5, 2012, reports emerged of widespread allegations of electoral fraud and irregularities in the Russian presidential election held on March 4, leading to protests and international criticism. source: bbc.com
- 06 Mar Super Tuesday US Presidential Primaries: On March 6, 2012, the United States held its Super Tuesday primaries, a significant event in the presidential election cycle where multiple states conduct their primary elections. This day is crucial for candidates to secure delegates and momentum for their campaigns.
- 10 Mar Putin's election sparks protests in Russia: On March 10, 2012, protests erupted in Russia following Vladimir Putin's election, with demonstrators alleging electoral fraud and demanding political reforms. source: aljazeera.com
- 20 Mar Illinois Republican Primary: Voters in Illinois participated in the Republican primary, with Mitt Romney projected as the winner, contributing to the 2012 U.S. presidential election campaign.
- 24 Mar Queensland Election Results: The Liberal National Party, led by Campbell Newman, wins a landslide victory in the Queensland state election, dramatically shifting the political landscape.
- 30 Mar George Galloway's Surprise By-Election Victory: George Galloway of the Respect Party won a surprise victory in the Bradford West by-election, an event dubbed the 'Bradford Spring', signaling potential shifts in British political dynamics.
- 01 Apr Muslim Brotherhood nominates candidate for Egyptian presidential election: On April 1, 2012, Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood announced its candidate for the upcoming presidential election, marking a significant development in the country's post-revolution political landscape. source: aljazeera.com
- 02 Apr National League for Democracy Claims Election Victory: The National League for Democracy in Burma claimed victory in 43 out of 45 contested byelection seats, signaling potential political shifts in the country.
- 03 Apr US presidential primary results announced: On April 3, 2012, the results of the United States presidential primaries were announced, with Mitt Romney securing victories in several states, strengthening his position as the Republican nominee. source: cnn.com
- 04 Apr Serbian President Boris Tadic Resigns: Boris Tadic, President of Serbia, announces his resignation to pave the way for early presidential elections, signaling a potential political transition in the country.
- 08 Apr Mali Presidential Resignation: On April 8, 2012, following a military coup, Mali's President Amadou Toumani Touré resigned from office. The coup was initiated by soldiers protesting the government's handling of the insurgency in the north, leading to significant political instability in the country. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 10 Apr Santorum Suspends Presidential Campaign: Republican candidate Rick Santorum suspended his presidential nomination campaign, significantly increasing Mitt Romney's likelihood of securing the Republican nomination for the 2012 election.
- 11 Apr South Korean Legislative Election: South Korean voters participated in a legislative election, with the ruling Saenuri Party maintaining control of the National Assembly.
- 12 Apr Military Coup in Guinea-Bissau: Mutinous soldiers from Guinea-Bissau staged an attempted coup d'état in Bissau, the capital, during a presidential election campaign. They arrested interim President Raimundo Pereira and leading presidential candidate Carlos Gomes Junior, disrupting the democratic process.
- 22 Apr French Presidential Election First Round: On April 22, 2012, France held the first round of its presidential election. The results led to a runoff between Nicolas Sarkozy and François Hollande, setting the stage for a highly anticipated second round. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 23 Apr Netherlands Prime Minister Offers Resignation: Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte offered his resignation to Queen Beatrix, paving the way for early elections and signaling potential political restructuring in the Netherlands.
- 02 May Newt Gingrich Suspends Presidential Campaign: Newt Gingrich suspends his campaign for the Republican Party presidential nomination, effectively making Mitt Romney the presumptive nominee for the 2012 United States Presidential Election.
- 03 May UK Local Elections: United Kingdom voters participated in local elections, with expectations of strong performance by the Labour Party.
- 04 May Labour Party Gains in UK Local Elections: The Labour Party achieved significant gains in the United Kingdom's local elections, signaling potential shifts in political sentiment and support.
- 06 May French presidential election results announced: On May 6, 2012, François Hollande was elected as the President of France, defeating incumbent Nicolas Sarkozy. Hollande's victory marked a shift in French politics and had implications for European economic policies. source: bbc.com
- 07 May Vladimir Putin begins third presidential term: On May 7, 2012, Vladimir Putin was inaugurated for his third term as President of Russia. His return to the presidency was marked by protests and debates over Russia's political future. source: bbc.com
- 08 May Aung San Suu Kyi granted passport: Myanmar's opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, received her first passport in 24 years, enabling her to travel abroad for the first time since 1988. This development followed her election to parliament in April 2012, marking a significant milestone in Myanmar's political reforms. source: en.antaranews.com
- 12 May Romney's Stance on Same-Sex Marriage: Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney defines marriage as exclusively between a man and a woman during a speech at Liberty University, sparking national debate on marriage equality.
- 13 May Election in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany: Voters in North Rhine-Westphalia participated in regional elections, with the Social Democratic Party of Germany emerging victorious. The party secured a governing position with support from the Green Party, signaling potential shifts in German regional politics.
- 14 May Ron Paul Ends Presidential Campaign: Republican politician Ron Paul announces the end of his active presidential campaign, though he will continue seeking delegates for the Republican National Convention in August.
- 16 May Interim Greek government appointed: On May 16, 2012, Greece appointed an interim government to oversee the country until new elections could be held, aiming to stabilize the political situation amid ongoing economic challenges.
- 18 May Dutch Political Leadership Change: Sybrand van Haersma Buma was elected as the party leader of the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) and became the top candidate for the 2012 Dutch general elections.
- 20 May Tomislav Nikolić Becomes Serbian President: In a closely contested election, Tomislav Nikolić secured the presidency of Serbia with 49.4% of the votes, marking a significant political transition in the Balkan nation.
- 22 May US Primary Elections in Kentucky and Arkansas: Mitt Romney secures the Republican primaries, while President Barack Obama wins the Democratic primaries in Kentucky and Arkansas. Obama's performance is noted as relatively weak against token opposition.
- 23 May Egyptian presidential election post-revolution: On May 23, 2012, Egypt held its first presidential election since the revolution, marking a significant step in its transition to democracy. The election was closely watched both domestically and internationally. source: bbc.com
- 24 May Egyptian presidential election: On May 24, 2012, Egypt concluded its presidential election, with results closely monitored by international observers. This election was pivotal in shaping the country's political landscape following the Arab Spring. source: bbc.com
- 25 May Launch of Scottish Independence Campaign: On May 25, 2012, the Scottish National Party officially launched its campaign for independence from the United Kingdom. This marked a significant moment in Scottish politics, aiming for a referendum on independence. source: bbc.com
- 26 May Historic Singaporean By-Election: The Hougang by-election concludes with Png Eng Huat from the Workers' Party winning 62.08% of nearly 22,000 votes, marking the first such election in over 19 years.
- 31 May Irish Fiscal Compact Referendum: Irish voters participated in a referendum to decide on the government's approval of the European Fiscal Compact.
- 05 Jun Wisconsin Gubernatorial Recall Election: In a closely watched election, Wisconsin voters retained incumbent Governor Scott Walker and maintained Democratic control of the state Senate, reflecting the state's complex political dynamics.
- 10 Jun Romania's Local Elections: Romania held local elections, with the Social Liberal Union winning by a significant margin, demonstrating their political strength.
- 12 Jun Falkland Islands Sovereignty Referendum: The Falkland Islands government announces plans to hold a referendum on the islands' sovereignty, potentially addressing long-standing territorial disputes.
- 17 Jun Greek legislative election: Greece held a legislative election on June 17, 2012, amid a severe financial crisis. The election was crucial for determining the country's future in the Eurozone, with the New Democracy party winning a plurality and forming a coalition government. source: bbc.com
- 20 Jun Egypt presidential election results delayed: On June 20, 2012, Egypt's election commission announced a delay in releasing the results of the presidential runoff election, initially scheduled for June 21. The delay was due to ongoing investigations into appeals from both candidates, Mohamed Morsi and Ahmed Shafiq, who had both claimed victory. source: dw.com
- 22 Jun Paraguayan Presidential Impeachment: On June 22, 2012, Paraguayan President Fernando Lugo was dramatically removed from office through a swift impeachment process, with Vice President Federico Franco immediately succeeding him. This unexpected political transition marked a significant moment in Paraguay's democratic history. source: Wikipedia (day-month pages)
- 24 Jun Mohamed Morsi wins Egyptian presidential election: Mohamed Morsi, candidate of the Muslim Brotherhood's Freedom and Justice Party, was declared the winner of Egypt's first free presidential election, marking a significant political shift in the country. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 30 Jun Mohamed Morsi sworn in as Egypt's first elected civilian president: On June 30, 2012, Mohamed Morsi was sworn in as Egypt's first elected civilian president, marking a significant milestone in the country's post-revolutionary history. Morsi, a member of the Muslim Brotherhood, won the presidential election with 51.73% of the vote, defeating Ahmed Shafiq, the last prime minister under Hosni Mubarak. His inauguration took place at the Constitutional Court, as the military had dissolved the parliament earlier that month. source: aljazeera.com
- 01 Jul Cameron Considers EU Referendum: British Prime Minister David Cameron, writing in 'The Sunday Telegraph', expressed openness to potentially holding a referendum on the UK's relationship with the European Union, signaling potential future political shifts.
- 06 Jul Enrique Peña Nieto Wins Mexican Presidential Election: On July 6, 2012, Enrique Peña Nieto of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) was declared the winner of Mexico's presidential election, marking the return of the PRI to power after a 12-year hiatus.
- 07 Jul Libya holds historic National Congress election: On July 7, 2012, Libya held its first free election since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi, electing members to the General National Congress.
- 13 Jul Mexican election dispute: On July 13, 2012, Mexico's Federal Electoral Tribunal declared Enrique Peña Nieto the winner of the presidential election, despite allegations of electoral fraud and protests from opposition parties. source: bbc.com
- 17 Jul Libya's first post-revolution elections: Libya held its first elections since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi, marking a significant step in the country's transition to democracy. Voters participated in selecting a General National Congress to lead the nation. source: bbc.com
- 18 Jul US Presidential Response to Burgas Bombing: US President Barack Obama condemned the Burgas Airport bombing as a "barbaric terrorist act", reaffirming the United States' unwavering commitment to Israel's safety and expressing solidarity with the Israeli people.
- 29 Jul Romanian Political Referendum: Romanian voters participate in a referendum challenging President Traian Basescu's leadership, reflecting ongoing political dynamics in the country.
- 08 Aug Japan's Consumption Tax Increase Agreement: Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda announced an agreement between the Democratic Party of Japan and opposition parties to increase the consumption tax rate, likely followed by a snap election.
- 11 Aug Romney selects Paul Ryan as VP candidate: On August 11, 2012, Mitt Romney announced that he had selected Congressman Paul Ryan as his running mate for the presidential election. This decision was significant in shaping the Republican campaign strategy for the 2012 election. source: bbc.com
- 12 Aug Egyptian Presidential Power Move: President Mohammed Mursi dismisses Mohamad Hussein Tatawi, the head of Egypt's armed forces, signaling a significant shift in military-political relations.
- 25 Aug Australia's Northern Territory Election: The Country Liberal Party secures victory in the Australian Northern Territory election, signaling potential political shifts in the region.
- 30 Aug Mitt Romney Republican Presidential Nomination: On August 30, 2012, Mitt Romney was officially nominated as the Republican candidate for the 2012 United States presidential election. The nomination took place during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Florida. Romney, a former governor of Massachusetts, accepted the nomination and outlined his vision for the country, focusing on economic growth and job creation. His running mate, Paul Ryan, was also introduced during the convention. source: cnn.com
- 31 Aug Enrique Peña Nieto Declared Mexican President-Elect: On August 31, 2012, Enrique Peña Nieto was declared the winner of Mexico's presidential election by the Federal Electoral Institute. Peña Nieto, a member of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), secured approximately 38% of the vote, defeating his closest rival, Andrés Manuel López Obrador. The election was marred by allegations of irregularities and vote-buying, leading to protests and calls for electoral reform. source: bbc.com
- 01 Sep Angolan General Election: On August 31, 2012, Angola held general elections for the National Assembly. The ruling People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) secured a significant majority, with nearly 74% of the vote, extending President José Eduardo dos Santos's tenure. Opposition parties, including UNITA and CASA-CE, contested the results, citing irregularities. source: aljazeera.com
- 04 Sep Quebec election shooting incident: On September 4, 2012, during a victory speech by Pauline Marois, leader of the Parti Québécois, at the Métropolis in Montreal, a gunman opened fire, killing lighting technician Denis Blanchette and injuring another technician. The shooter, Richard Henry Bain, was arrested at the scene. Marois was unharmed and continued her speech after the incident. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 06 Sep Obama accepts Democratic nomination: On September 6, 2012, President Barack Obama accepted the Democratic nomination for re-election at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 09 Sep Hong Kong Legislative Council Elections: Hong Kong holds elections for its 70-member Legislative Council, with 40 seats elected by popular vote and the remainder by functional constituencies. China has committed to full popular voting by 2020.
- 13 Sep Netherlands general election: The general election in the Netherlands took place on September 13, 2012, resulting in a significant shift in the political landscape. The election was marked by debates over economic policies and immigration. source: bbc.com
- 20 Sep Russia Expels USAID: Russia's Foreign Ministry banned the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) from operating in the country, alleging interference in recent elections.
- 21 Sep Yoshihiko Nakamura Wins Party Leadership: Yoshihiko Nakamura secured leadership of the Democratic Party of Japan through an internal party ballot, positioning himself in a key political role.
- 23 Sep Belarus Parliamentary Elections Controversy: Belarus held parliamentary elections, which were viewed as undemocratic by the opposition and subsequently boycotted, reflecting ongoing political tensions in the country.
- 30 Sep Political Violence in Venezuela: On September 30, 2012, political violence erupted in Venezuela as supporters of opposing presidential candidates clashed during a campaign rally. The violence resulted in several injuries and raised concerns about the safety of the electoral process ahead of the upcoming presidential election. source: aljazeera.com
- 01 Oct Georgian parliamentary elections held: Parliamentary elections were held in Georgia on October 1, 2012. The opposition Georgian Dream coalition, led by billionaire businessman Bidzina Ivanishvili, won a majority of the seats, leading President Mikheil Saakashvili to concede defeat. source: sofiaglobe.com
- 04 Oct King Abdullah dissolves Jordanian parliament: King Abdullah II of Jordan dissolved the parliament, citing the need for political reform and to address public discontent. The move was seen as a response to ongoing protests and calls for greater democracy in the country. New elections were anticipated following the dissolution. source: aljazeera.com
- 07 Oct Hugo Chávez wins Venezuela presidential election: On October 7, 2012, incumbent President Hugo Chávez was re-elected for a fourth term, defeating challenger Henrique Capriles with 54.52% of the vote to Capriles' 44.97%. The election saw a high voter turnout of 81%, with Chávez securing over 7.4 million votes. source: voanews.com
- 12 Oct Biden-Ryan Vice Presidential Debate: Vice President Joe Biden and Republican vice-presidential nominee Representative Paul Ryan participated in the first and only vice-presidential debate during the 2012 U.S. election campaign.
- 15 Oct Scottish independence referendum deal agreed: On October 15, 2012, the UK and Scottish governments reached an agreement on the terms of a referendum for Scottish independence. This deal allowed Scotland to hold a vote on its future, marking a significant moment in UK politics. source: bbc.com
- 16 Oct Obama and Romney second presidential debate: The second presidential debate between President Barack Obama and Republican candidate Mitt Romney took place on October 16, 2012. The debate focused on foreign policy and domestic issues, with both candidates presenting their visions for the country. source: npr.org
- 18 Oct UN Security Council Elections: Argentina, Australia, and Luxembourg were elected to two-year terms on the United Nations Security Council, starting in 2013, reflecting the dynamic geopolitical representation in this crucial international body.
- 25 Oct Israeli political parties Likud and Yisrael Beiteinu announce electoral alliance: On October 25, 2012, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman announced that their respective parties, Likud and Yisrael Beiteinu, would run together on a single ballot in the upcoming January 2013 general elections. The alliance, named Likud Yisrael Beiteinu, aimed to present a unified front in the elections. source: theguardian.com
- 29 Oct Fernando Haddad Elected Mayor of São Paulo: Fernando Haddad of the Workers' Party was elected mayor of São Paulo, Brazil's largest city and financial capital. This election represented a significant political moment for the Workers' Party, consolidating their urban political influence.
- 01 Nov Bloomberg Endorses Obama Over Climate Change: New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg publicly supported President Barack Obama's re-election bid, specifically citing the need to address climate change in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.
- 05 Nov Ukrainian parliamentary election protests: On November 5, 2012, protests erupted in Ukraine following parliamentary elections that were widely criticized for alleged irregularities and lack of transparency. Demonstrators called for electoral reforms and the resignation of officials implicated in the alleged fraud. source: reuters.com
- 06 Nov Barack Obama re-elected as U.S. President: On November 6, 2012, Barack Obama was re-elected as the 44th President of the United States, defeating Republican nominee Mitt Romney in the presidential election. source: cnn.com
- 07 Nov Barack Obama re-elected as President: On November 7, 2012, Barack Obama was re-elected as the 44th President of the United States, defeating Republican nominee Mitt Romney in the presidential election. source: cnn.com
- 10 Nov Barack Obama wins 2012 U.S. presidential election: On November 10, 2012, Barack Obama was re-elected as President of the United States, defeating Republican nominee Mitt Romney in the general election. source: cnn.com
- 13 Nov San Marino General Elections: In the Sammarinese general elections, the San Marino Common Good Alliance secured a majority in the Grand and General Council of San Marino.
- 14 Nov Japan Prepares for General Election: Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda announced the dissolution of the House of Representatives following an agreement between the opposition LDP and ruling DPJ, setting the stage for a general election on December 16.
- 25 Nov Catalonia's independence election held: On November 25, 2012, Catalonia held an election that focused on the region's push for independence from Spain. The election results reflected a significant support for pro-independence parties, intensifying the debate over Catalonia's future. source: bbc.com
- 01 Dec Egypt's Morsi announces constitutional referendum: On December 1, 2012, Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi announced a referendum on a controversial new constitution. This decision sparked widespread protests and political unrest in the country, reflecting deep divisions within Egyptian society. source: aljazeera.com
- 02 Dec Egypt's constitutional court delay: On December 2, 2012, Egypt's constitutional court postponed a session that was to address the legality of the constitutional referendum announced by President Morsi. This delay added to the political turmoil in the country as protests continued. source: aljazeera.com
- 03 Dec Ukrainian Government Resignation: Following controversial elections, Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov and his entire government resigned, signaling significant political upheaval.
- 07 Dec Ghana Presidential and Parliamentary Elections: Ghanaian citizens participated in democratic elections, casting votes for presidential and parliamentary representatives, demonstrating the country's commitment to democratic processes.
- 09 Dec Violent Political Protests in Bangladesh: Intense political unrest erupted in Bangladesh as protesters blocked roads nationwide, demanding an independent election supervision body. The government's response involved tear gas and rubber bullets, resulting in at least two immediate injuries and a reported 100 casualties.
- 10 Dec Romania's Parliamentary Election: Prime Minister Victor Ponta's Social Liberal Union achieves a stunning victory, winning nearly 60% of votes in Romania's parliamentary elections, with a projected 66-67% of parliamentary mandates.
- 15 Dec Egyptian constitutional referendum: On December 15, 2012, Egypt held a referendum on a new constitution, which was a significant step in the political transition following the 2011 revolution. The vote was marked by controversy and division among the populace regarding the proposed changes. source: bbc.com
- 16 Dec Japanese general election 2012: On December 16, 2012, Japan held a general election, resulting in a significant victory for the Liberal Democratic Party. This election was pivotal in shaping Japan's political landscape following years of Democratic Party rule. source: bbc.com
- 17 Dec Romania's New Government Formation: Following the month's parliamentary elections, Romanian President nominated Victor Ponta from the Social Liberal Union as Prime Minister to form a new government.
- 18 Dec Jacob Zuma Wins ANC Leadership Contest: South African President Jacob Zuma secured a significant victory in the African National Congress leadership contest, positioning himself for potential re-election in 2014.
- 21 Dec John Kerry nominated as Secretary of State: On December 21, 2012, President Barack Obama nominated Senator John Kerry to be the next Secretary of State, succeeding Hillary Clinton. Kerry's nomination was part of a broader cabinet reshuffle following Obama's re-election. source: obamawhitehouse.archives.gov
- 22 Dec Egypt's Constitutional Referendum and Political Transition: As Egypt completes its constitutional referendum, Vice President Mahmoud Mekki resigns, signaling ongoing political changes and tensions in the country following the Arab Spring.
- 23 Dec Egyptian Constitutional Referendum: The Constituent Assembly's draft constitution was approved by a majority in a referendum held on December 15 and 22. The opposition challenged the results, alleging fraud and voting violations, reflecting the ongoing political tensions in Egypt.
What happened in 2012?
Discover what the world looked like in 2012: