2015 Elections & Political Transitions Events — Verified Historical Highlights

2015 Elections & Political Transitions Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to

05 Jan Political Violence in Bangladesh: Two Bangladesh Nationalist Party activists were killed in clashes with members of the ruling Awami League in Natore, on the anniversary of disputed general elections, reflecting the country's political tensions.
08 Jan Sri Lankan presidential election: On January 8, 2015, Sri Lanka held a presidential election where incumbent President Mahinda Rajapaksa sought a third term. His main challenger, Maithripala Sirisena, a former health minister, won with 51.28% of the vote, leading to Rajapaksa's concession and Sirisena's inauguration on January 9. source: en.wikipedia.org
17 Jan Terrorism in Yemen: Presidential staff kidnapping: On January 17, 2015, armed groups in Yemen kidnapped several members of the presidential staff amid ongoing instability in the country. This incident highlighted the deteriorating security situation in Yemen, exacerbated by civil conflict and terrorism. source: reuters.com
19 Jan Congo Protest Crackdown: Kinshasa police violently suppressed protests against President Joseph Kabila's attempts to defer elections, killing four protesters and injuring ten others, revealing significant political tensions.
20 Jan Houthi Rebels Seize Presidential Residence in Yemen: Houthi rebels seized the Presidential residence in Yemen, calling for negotiations to restructure the country's power dynamics. This event signaled a significant escalation in the ongoing Yemeni political crisis.
21 Jan Houthi rebels seize Yemen's presidential palace: Houthi rebels took control of Yemen's presidential palace in Sana'a, further destabilizing the country amid ongoing conflict. This event marked a significant shift in power dynamics in Yemen. source: bbc.com
22 Jan Zambian Presidential Election Disrupted by Heavy Rains: Severe weather conditions in Zambia caused significant disruptions to the presidential election, delaying both voting and vote counting processes. Election officials promised to provide updates on when electoral activities would resume.
24 Jan Edgar Lungu Wins Zambian Presidential Election: Edgar Lungu of the Patriotic Front was elected as the President of Zambia, signaling a significant political transition in the African nation.
25 Jan SYRIZA wins Greek legislative elections: On January 25, 2015, the left-wing party SYRIZA won the Greek legislative elections, marking a significant shift in the country's political landscape. The victory was largely attributed to public discontent with austerity measures imposed during the financial crisis. SYRIZA's leader, Alexis Tsipras, promised to end austerity and renegotiate Greece's debt obligations. source: bbc.com
31 Jan Queensland State Election Shifts Political Landscape: In the Queensland State Election, the Liberal National Party loses its parliamentary majority. Outgoing Premier Campbell Newman is defeated in his own seat, with uncertainty surrounding whether the Australian Labor Party, led by Annastacia Palaszczuk, secured an outright majority or created a hung parliament.
02 Feb Suicide bombing at Nigerian election rally: On February 2, 2015, a suicide bombing occurred at a political rally in Nigeria, targeting a campaign event for a gubernatorial candidate. The attack resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries, raising concerns about security in the lead-up to the upcoming elections. source: bbc.com
07 Feb Nigeria Election Delay: Nigeria postpones its general elections by six weeks to enable its Armed Forces to combat and regain control of territories held by Boko Haram insurgents.
10 Feb Aam Aadmi Party's Landslide Victory in Delhi Assembly Elections: On February 10, 2015, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) secured a landslide victory in the Delhi Assembly elections, winning 67 out of 70 seats. This marked a significant defeat for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which won only three seats, and the Indian National Congress (INC), which failed to win any seats. source: newindianexpress.com
15 Feb Hamburg State Election 2015: Voters in Hamburg, Germany participated in the state election, with the Social Democratic Party, led by Olaf Scholz, successfully retaining power.
16 Feb Saint Kitts and Nevis General Election: In a significant political shift, Saint Kitts and Nevis held its general election where the opposition Team Unity alliance, led by Timothy Harris, defeated the incumbent Labour Party led by Prime Minister Denzil Douglas, marking a potential change in the country's political landscape.
24 Feb Yemen's President Resigns: On January 22, 2015, amid escalating turmoil in the capital, Sana'a, President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi resigned. The Houthi rebels had taken control of the city since September, leading to violent clashes and the seizure of the presidential palace. Hadi's resignation raised concerns about the country's stability and the potential empowerment of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. source: time.com
25 Feb Togo's President Announces Re-election Bid: Faure Gnassingbe, the President of Togo, officially announced his candidacy for the upcoming April election, signaling his intention to continue his political leadership.
01 Mar Estonian Parliamentary Elections 2015: On March 1, 2015, Estonia held parliamentary elections, with the Reform Party securing the most seats, leading to the formation of a new government. source: reuters.com
15 Mar Venezuela's Presidential Decree Powers: Venezuela's National Assembly granted President Nicolas Maduro decree powers for a nine-month period, expanding executive authority.
17 Mar Netanyahu wins Israeli legislative election: On March 17, 2015, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's party won a decisive victory in the legislative elections. This outcome solidified his position as a key figure in Israeli politics, despite facing criticism over his policies and handling of the peace process. source: bbc.com
22 Mar Israeli Legislative Election Aftermath: Israeli President Reuven Rivlin initiated discussions about forming a new government, with strong indications that Benjamin Netanyahu would return as Prime Minister, signaling potential continuity in Israel's political leadership.
23 Mar Ted Cruz Announces Presidential Bid: Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) officially announced his intention to run for president in the 2016 United States Presidential Election, launching his campaign for the Republican Party nomination.
27 Mar Harry Reid Announces Retirement: U.S. Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nevada) announced he will not seek re-election and plans to retire at the end of his term in January 2017, marking a significant transition in Democratic Party leadership.
28 Mar Nigerian General Elections 2015: Nigerian voters participated in general elections, marred by violence that resulted in at least 15 deaths, including an opposition candidate in the Dukku-Gombe region. The election underscored the challenges of democratic processes in the country.
29 Mar Nigerian General Election Challenges: Nigeria extended voting in its general election by one day due to equipment malfunctions and delays. The election was marred by violence, with 43 people killed in Boko Haram attacks.
30 Mar Nigerian Presidential Election: On March 30, 2015, Nigeria held its presidential election, marking a significant event in the country's democratic process. The election was notable for its peaceful conduct and the eventual victory of Muhammadu Buhari, who became the first opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent president in Nigeria's history.
31 Mar Nigerian Presidential Election results announced: On March 31, 2015, the Independent National Electoral Commission of Nigeria announced the results of the presidential election held on March 28, declaring Muhammadu Buhari as the winner. His victory marked a historic moment as he became the first opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent president in Nigeria's history.
07 Apr Rahm Emanuel Re-elected as Chicago Mayor: Rahm Emanuel won a second term as Chicago Mayor, defeating Jesus 'Chuy' Garcia in the city's first mayoral runoff since switching to nonpartisan elections 20 years ago. This election was seen as a significant test of Emanuel's political standing.
09 Apr Rand Paul Launches Presidential Campaign Amid Media Tension: Senator Rand Paul began his presidential campaign with contentious interactions with reporters, particularly regarding his evolving stance on Iran.
10 Apr Hillary Clinton announces 2016 presidential campaign: On April 10, 2015, former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced her candidacy for the 2016 presidential election, marking her second run for the presidency after her 2008 campaign. source: en.wikipedia.org
11 Apr Nigerian Elections Marred by Violence: Nigerian voters participated in gubernatorial and state assembly elections, which were tragically marked by violence resulting in nine deaths, predominantly in Rivers State.
12 Apr Hillary Clinton announces 2016 presidential campaign: On April 12, 2015, former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton officially announced her candidacy for the 2016 presidential election, marking her second run for the White House. She emphasized the need for a champion for everyday Americans. source: cnbc.com
13 Apr Marco Rubio launches presidential campaign: On April 13, 2015, Senator Marco Rubio of Florida officially announced his candidacy for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination, emphasizing his vision for a new American century and the need for generational change in leadership. source: en.wikipedia.org
19 Apr Northern Cyprus Presidential Election: The presidential election in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus took place on April 19, 2015. Mustafa Akıncı was elected as the new president, succeeding Derviş Eroğlu. source: en.wikipedia.org
22 Apr Anguilla General Election: Anguilla held its general election, with Victor Banks of the Anguilla Unified Front being elected to lead the government, signifying a democratic process in the Caribbean territory.
26 Apr Kazakhstan presidential election: Kazakhstan held its presidential election on April 26, 2015, amid criticism of the electoral process. The incumbent president, Nursultan Nazarbayev, was expected to win amid allegations of a lack of genuine competition. source: bbc.com
27 Apr Sudan general election: Sudan held its general election on April 27, 2015, amid international criticism and allegations of fraud. The election was marked by low voter turnout and was seen as a means for the ruling party to maintain power. source: bbc.com
30 Apr Bernie Sanders Announces Presidential Bid: US Senator Bernie Sanders officially announced his candidacy for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination, launching a campaign that would significantly impact the 2016 election landscape.
03 May Ben Carson Announces Presidential Campaign: Retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson informed a Florida television station of his intention to run for the Republican Party's presidential nomination. He planned to make a formal announcement in Detroit, Michigan, his birthplace.
04 May Carly Fiorina announces presidential campaign: Carly Fiorina officially announced her candidacy for the 2016 presidential election, becoming one of the prominent female candidates in the race. Her campaign focused on economic issues and government reform. source: nytimes.com
05 May Alberta's historic political shift: On May 5, 2015, Alberta experienced a significant political shift as the New Democratic Party (NDP) won a majority in the provincial election, ending a 44-year rule by the Progressive Conservative Party. This marked a historic change in Alberta's political landscape, reflecting a growing desire for change among voters. source: cbc.ca
06 May Netanyahu forms narrow Israeli coalition: On May 6, 2015, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu successfully formed a narrow coalition government after weeks of negotiations following the elections. The coalition included several right-wing parties, allowing Netanyahu to continue his leadership amid ongoing regional tensions. source: reuters.com
07 May UK general election: Conservative victory: On May 7, 2015, the UK general election resulted in a surprising victory for the Conservative Party, led by David Cameron. The outcome allowed Cameron to continue as Prime Minister, despite predictions of a hung parliament, and marked a significant moment in British politics. source: bbc.com
08 May UK General Election: Conservative Party wins unexpected majority: In the 2015 UK general election, the Conservative Party secured 330 seats, achieving a majority of 12 in the House of Commons. This outcome defied pre-election polls that had predicted a tight race between the Conservatives and Labour Party. The victory enabled Prime Minister David Cameron to form a majority government. source: aljazeera.com
10 May Polish Presidential Election First Round: Poland held its presidential election, with Andrzej Duda from the Law and Justice Party challenging incumbent President Bronisław Komorowski. A second round of voting was scheduled.
11 May David Cameron forms new UK Cabinet after election victory: Following the Conservative Party's victory in the 2015 general election, Prime Minister David Cameron announced a new Cabinet, maintaining key positions and introducing new members to his government. source: bbc.com
24 May Polish presidential election: On May 24, 2015, Andrzej Duda was elected as the President of Poland, defeating incumbent Bronisław Komorowski in a runoff election. source: bbc.com
28 May George Pataki Enters 2016 Presidential Race: Former New York Governor George Pataki announced his candidacy for the Republican Party's 2016 presidential nomination, adding another contender to the competitive primary field.
01 Jun Lindsey Graham Enters 2016 Presidential Race: South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham officially announced his candidacy for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination, adding to the growing field of potential Republican candidates.
03 Jun Lincoln Chafee Enters 2016 Presidential Race: Lincoln Chafee, former Governor of Rhode Island, announced his candidacy for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination, adding another contender to the 2016 election landscape.
04 Jun Lincoln Chafee Enters Presidential Race: Former Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee announces his Democratic presidential nomination campaign, joining a field that includes Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, and Martin O'Malley.
07 Jun Turkish General Election: Turkey holds a pivotal general election where the ruling AKP seeks constitutional amendment powers. Early projections suggest the party might lose its parliamentary majority, potentially signaling significant political shifts.
15 Jun Jeb Bush Enters 2016 Presidential Race: Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush officially announced his candidacy for the Republican Party's presidential nomination, joining a crowded field of potential candidates.
16 Jun Donald Trump announces presidential campaign: On June 16, 2015, Donald Trump officially announced his candidacy for the 2016 presidential election. His announcement marked the beginning of a controversial and highly publicized campaign. source: nytimes.com
18 Jun Hong Kong Electoral Reform Rejected: On June 18, 2015, Hong Kong's Legislative Council rejected proposed electoral reforms that would have allowed for universal suffrage in the 2017 Chief Executive election. The reforms were seen as a compromise between the Hong Kong government and Beijing but were opposed by pro-democracy activists. source: bbc.com
19 Jun Danish General Election Results: Denmark's 2015 general election saw the centre-right Venstre bloc winning, though the Social Democrats remained the largest party. The anti-immigration Danish People's Party (APD) emerged as the second-largest party in parliament, signaling a significant shift in Danish political landscape.
24 Jun Bobby Jindal Presidential Campaign: Bobby Jindal, Governor of Louisiana, announced his candidacy for the Republican Party nomination in the 2016 United States Presidential Election.
30 Jun Chris Christie Enters 2016 Presidential Race: New Jersey Governor Chris Christie officially announced his candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination, adding another prominent candidate to the 2016 election field and signaling the intensifying political competition.
01 Jul Burundi Legislative Election Controversy: President Pierre Nkurunziza claimed victory in the legislative election, despite the absence of opposition parties, raising significant concerns about democratic processes and political legitimacy.
02 Jul Jim Webb Enters 2016 Presidential Race: Former Senator Jim Webb announced his candidacy for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination, adding another contender to the 2016 election field.
05 Jul Greek referendum on austerity measures: On July 5, 2015, Greece held a referendum to decide on austerity measures proposed by international creditors. The result was a significant rejection of the measures, leading to increased tensions in the Eurozone regarding Greece's financial future. source: bbc.com
06 Jul Yanis Varoufakis resigns as Greek finance minister: On July 6, 2015, Yanis Varoufakis announced his resignation as Greece's finance minister following the referendum results. His departure was seen as a move to facilitate negotiations with creditors and stabilize the Greek economy. source: bbc.com
13 Jul Scott Walker Enters 2016 Presidential Race: Scott Walker, Governor of Wisconsin, announced his candidacy for the Republican Party's presidential nomination for the 2016 election.
15 Jul Putin Sets Early Parliamentary Elections: Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law setting the date for early parliamentary elections on 18 September 2016, a move with potential significant implications for Russia's political landscape.
21 Jul Burundi Presidential Election Marred by Violence: Burundi's presidential election was characterized by significant violence and gunfire, with President Pierre Nkurunziza seeking a controversial third term. Opposition parties boycotted the election, and two people were killed during the voting process.
23 Jul China Conducts Military Simulation Targeting Taiwan: The People's Liberation Army of China performed military exercises simulating an attack on Taiwan's Presidential Office Building, escalating tensions in the cross-strait relationship and demonstrating China's military preparedness.
24 Jul Burundi Presidential Election: Pierre Nkurunziza was elected President of Burundi for an unprecedented third consecutive term, a move that sparked significant political controversy and regional tension. This election raised concerns about democratic processes and potential political instability in the country.
31 Jul Philippine Presidential Election 2016: President Benigno Aquino III endorsed Mar Roxas, the Interior and Local Government Secretary, for the 2016 presidential election.
02 Aug Canadian Election Confirmation: Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper officially requested Governor General David Johnston to dissolve Parliament and call a general election for October 19, 2015. This marked the beginning of Canada's longest-running election campaign in recent history, reflecting the country's complex democratic process.
06 Aug First Republican presidential debate for 2016 election: On August 6, 2015, the first Republican presidential debate for the 2016 election took place, featuring key candidates vying for the party's nomination. The debate was significant in shaping the political landscape and public perception of the candidates. It marked the beginning of a highly competitive election cycle. source: nytimes.com
09 Aug Iraq's Heatwave and Political Reforms: In August 2015, Iraq faced a severe heatwave with temperatures exceeding 50°C (120°F), leading to widespread power outages and public unrest. In response, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi proposed significant governmental reforms, including the elimination of vice-presidential and deputy prime minister positions, aiming to reduce expenses and combat corruption. These proposals were approved by Iraq's Council of Ministers on August 9, 2015. source: digitaljournal.com
17 Aug Sri Lankan General Election: Sri Lanka held a general election, with the ruling United National Party maintaining its position of power. The election was closely monitored by international media outlets including BBC and Al Jazeera.
20 Aug Greek Political Transition: Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras announced his resignation and called for a new election on September 20, signaling a significant political shift.
21 Aug Turkey Calls for Snap Election: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced a snap election for November 1, following a previous election that resulted in a hung parliament unable to form a coalition government.
06 Sep Thailand rejects new constitution in national referendum: On September 6, 2015, Thailand held a national referendum in which voters rejected a new constitution proposed by the military government. The rejection led to political uncertainty and debates over the country's future governance. source: bbc.com
07 Sep Trinidad and Tobago General Election: Citizens vote in a House of Representatives election, with Keith Rowley's People's National Movement returning to power.
11 Sep Singapore General Elections: Over 2.46 million people participated in Singapore's 2015 general elections. The ruling People's Action Party (PAP) secured an overwhelming victory, winning 83 out of 89 parliamentary seats.
20 Sep Greek Parliamentary Election: The third round of voting in Greece saw Syriza (Coalition of the Radical Left) winning a plurality in the Hellenic Parliament, continuing its political influence.
21 Sep Scott Walker Exits 2016 Presidential Race: Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker withdrew from the 2016 Republican Party presidential nomination race, significantly altering the primary landscape.
22 Sep 2015 Burkinabe Coup Attempt: The Burkinabe army arrived in Ouagadougou to challenge the Presidential Guard's coup, successfully negotiating the release of President Michel Kafando and Prime Minister Yacouba Zida. Diplomatic negotiations continued to seek a peaceful resolution between military leadership and coup plotters.
24 Sep Reversal of Burkinabé Coup d'état: The coup in Burkina Faso was successfully reversed, with Interim President Michel Kafando and Prime Minister Yacouba Isaac Zida reinstated. Coup leader Gen. Gilbert Diendéré apologized for the week-long unrest that resulted in at least 10 fatalities. ECOWAS recommended rescheduling elections to November 22 with more inclusive candidate eligibility rules.
25 Sep Burkina Faso Responds to Coup: Burkina Faso's government takes decisive action by dissolving the elite presidential guard responsible for the recent coup d'état. A commission is established to investigate the events, and the responsible minister is dismissed.
26 Sep Bolivia Considers Presidential Term Limit Removal: Bolivia's Plurinational Legislative Assembly passes legislation to potentially remove presidential term limits, pending a future referendum.
27 Sep Catalonia regional elections held amid independence push: Catalonia held regional elections on September 27, 2015, which were viewed as a de facto referendum on independence from Spain. The pro-independence parties won a majority, intensifying the debate over Catalonia's status within Spain. source: bbc.com
29 Sep Burkina Faso Military Defeats Presidential Guard Coup: Following a heated standoff, Burkina Faso's military defeated the elite presidential guard. General Gilbert Diendere asked his men to surrender to prevent potential bloodshed.
04 Oct Portuguese Legislative Election: Exit polls indicated that Portugal's center-right government was on track to win the election, its first contest since implementing tough austerity measures to address the debt crisis. However, the polls suggested the government might lose its parliamentary majority.
11 Oct Belarusian Presidential Election: Alexander Lukashenko won re-election as President of Belarus, securing his fifth consecutive term in office.
13 Oct Burkina Faso Elections Deferred Due to Coup: A recent military coup in Burkina Faso has led to the postponement of presidential and parliamentary elections originally scheduled for November 29th, highlighting ongoing political instability in the region.
14 Oct First Democratic presidential debate: On October 14, 2015, the first Democratic presidential debate took place, featuring candidates such as Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders. The debate focused on key issues including healthcare, the economy, and foreign policy, setting the stage for the 2016 presidential election. source: reuters.com
15 Oct UN Security Council Election 2015: Egypt, Senegal, and Uruguay were elected to non-permanent two-year seats on the United Nations Security Council for the 2016-2017 term, replacing Chad, Chile, Jordan, and Lithuania.
19 Oct Canadian federal election held: The Canadian federal election took place on October 19, 2015, resulting in a victory for the Liberal Party led by Justin Trudeau. This election marked a significant political shift in Canada, ending nearly a decade of Conservative rule. source: cbc.ca
20 Oct Jim Webb Exits Democratic Presidential Race: Former Virginia Senator Jim Webb announced his withdrawal from the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination race during a press conference, hinting at a potential independent bid.
21 Oct Joe Biden declines to run for Democratic nomination: On October 21, 2015, Vice President Joe Biden announced that he would not seek the Democratic nomination for president in the 2016 election. His decision was influenced by personal considerations and the timing of the campaign. source: nytimes.com
23 Oct Lincoln Chafee Exits 2016 Democratic Presidential Race: Lincoln Chafee, former Governor of Rhode Island, announced he would not seek the 2016 Democratic Party presidential nomination, reducing the field of potential candidates.
25 Oct Polish Parliamentary Election: The conservative Law and Justice party (PiS), led by Jaroslaw Kaczynski, won a significant victory in the parliamentary election. Incumbent Prime Minister Ewa Kopacz conceded defeat.
28 Oct UN Raises Concerns about Myanmar Election: A UN rights investigator expressed serious concerns about the upcoming Myanmar election on November 8th, arguing that the election could not be considered free and fair due to the disqualification of numerous candidates and the exclusion of hundreds of thousands of potential voters.
31 Oct Guinea Presidential Election Confirmation: Guinea's Constitutional Court officially affirmed President Alpha Conde's re-election victory from October 11, 2015, by rejecting all complaints filed by opposition candidates, solidifying his continued leadership.
02 Nov Turkey parliamentary elections: On November 2, 2015, Turkey held parliamentary elections, which resulted in the Justice and Development Party (AKP) regaining its majority. This election was crucial for President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's political agenda amid ongoing security challenges. source: bbc.com
03 Nov Karen Weaver Elected Mayor of Flint, Michigan: Karen Weaver, a clinical psychologist and businesswoman, was elected as the new mayor of Flint, Michigan. Her election comes at a critical time when the city has been dealing with a severe lead contamination crisis and has been under state financial control for nearly four years. Weaver's victory signals potential changes in addressing the city's ongoing challenges.
05 Nov Belize General Election: Dean Barrow achieves a historic third term as Prime Minister, with his United Democratic Party (UDP) winning a clear parliamentary majority. The election reinforces Belize's status as a parliamentary constitutional monarchy.
09 Nov Myanmar's historic democratic election: On November 9, 2015, the results of Myanmar's general election were announced, confirming a landslide victory for the National League for Democracy (NLD). This election was a pivotal moment in the country's transition to democracy after decades of military rule. source: bbc.com
10 Nov Cameron's EU renegotiation agenda: On November 10, 2015, UK Prime Minister David Cameron outlined his agenda for renegotiating the United Kingdom's relationship with the European Union. This plan was part of his strategy to address concerns over EU membership ahead of a planned referendum. source: bbc.com
11 Nov Spain blocks Catalonia independence bid: On November 11, 2015, Spain's Constitutional Court ruled to block a Catalan independence referendum, asserting that it was unconstitutional. This decision was a significant development in the ongoing tensions between Catalonia and the Spanish government. source: bbc.com
14 Nov French presidential response to attacks: Following the November 13 attacks in Paris, President François Hollande declared a state of emergency and vowed to take decisive action against terrorism. He emphasized the need for national unity and increased security measures across the country. source: bbc.com
22 Nov Argentine Presidential Election: Argentina held a presidential election between Daniel Scioli of the ruling Justicialist Party and Mauricio Macri of the opposition PRO. Mauricio Macri, the mayor of Buenos Aires, was elected with 53% of the vote.
25 Nov ISIS Claims Responsibility for Tunisia Presidential Guard Attack: The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) claimed responsibility for a deadly attack on Tunisia's presidential guard that resulted in 14 fatalities.
29 Nov Burkina Faso General Election: Burkina Faso held a critical presidential and parliamentary election following a year of significant political turmoil. Citizens went to the polls to choose new national leadership and restore democratic stability.
03 Dec Danish Referendum Rejects EU Police Cooperation: Danish voters rejected proposed EU rules for cross-border police operations, reflecting ongoing tensions and debates about European integration and sovereignty.
06 Dec Venezuelan parliamentary election of 2015: On December 6, 2015, Venezuela held parliamentary elections, resulting in a significant victory for the opposition coalition, the Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD), which secured a majority in the National Assembly for the first time in 16 years. source: bbc.com
07 Dec Venezuela's historic parliamentary election: On December 7, 2015, Venezuela's National Assembly convened following the opposition's victory in the December 6 parliamentary elections. The session marked a significant shift in the country's political landscape, with the opposition assuming control of the legislature. source: bbc.com
13 Dec Houston Mayoral Election: Sylvester Turner, a veteran Texas lawmaker, narrowly won Houston's mayoral runoff, defeating Bill King by just over 4,000 votes. Turner, a Democratic Texas House of Representatives member, received 51 percent of the vote and will succeed term-limited Annise Parker.
16 Dec Spanish PM Mariano Rajoy Punched During Campaign: A teenager punched Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy in the face during a People's Party campaign event in Pontevedra, creating a shocking moment in the election season.
17 Dec Putin Comments on Donald Trump: Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly described Donald Trump, then a U.S. Republican presidential nominee, as a "very colourful person" who is "talented, without doubt" and an "absolute lead" in the presidential race.
20 Dec Bernie Sanders Campaign Data Breach: The Bernie Sanders presidential campaign fired national data director Josh Uretsky and suspended two other staffers after improperly accessing and downloading voter information belonging to Hillary Clinton. NBC News reported that at least four campaign members were involved in the Wednesday data breach.
22 Dec Grace Poe Disqualified in Philippine Election: The Philippine Commission on Elections disqualified presidential frontrunner Grace Poe, a move widely perceived as politically motivated. Petitioners claimed she did not meet citizenship and residency requirements, potentially altering the 2016 presidential race.
23 Dec Croatia Appoints New Prime Minister: Following an inconclusive November 8th election, Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic appointed Tihomir Oreskovic, an Israeli executive from Teva Pharmaceuticals, as Prime Minister. The new government, a technocratic combination of reformists and conservatives, secured 78 parliamentary members for confirmation.
29 Dec George Pataki Ends Presidential Campaign: George Pataki, former Governor of New York, officially concluded his campaign for the Republican Party's presidential nomination, reducing the field of candidates for the 2016 United States Presidential Election.

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