2016 Elections & Political Transitions Events — Verified Historical Highlights

2016 Elections & Political Transitions Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to

01 Jan Iceland's President Announces Retirement: In his New Year's speech, President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson declares he will not seek a sixth term. Presidential elections are scheduled for June, signaling a potential leadership transition in Iceland.
19 Jan Sarah Palin Endorses Donald Trump: Sarah Palin, former Alaska Governor and 2008 vice presidential candidate, endorsed Donald Trump for the Republican Party's presidential nomination, a significant moment in the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election.
20 Jan Donald Trump Campaign Rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma: Donald Trump conducted a campaign rally at the Mabee Center, Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, continuing his efforts to mobilize support during the presidential campaign.
23 Jan Bloomberg Considers Independent Presidential Run: Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg explored the possibility of an independent presidential campaign, contingent on specific candidates (Ted Cruz, Donald Trump, or Bernie Sanders) potentially facing off in the general election.
28 Jan Republican presidential debate: The Republican presidential candidates participated in a debate in South Carolina, discussing key issues ahead of the primaries. The debate was marked by heated exchanges and highlighted the candidates' differing views on various policies. source: nbcnews.com
29 Jan Hillary Clinton email controversy escalates: The controversy surrounding Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server during her tenure as Secretary of State intensified, with new revelations emerging. This issue became a focal point in the 2016 presidential campaign, raising questions about transparency and security. source: nytimes.com
01 Feb Ted Cruz wins Republican Iowa Caucus: On February 1, 2016, Senator Ted Cruz won the Iowa Republican caucuses, securing 28% of the vote. This victory marked a significant moment in his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination. source: cnn.com
02 Feb Martin O'Malley Suspends Presidential Campaign: Following the Iowa caucus vote, Democratic presidential candidate Martin O'Malley announced the suspension of his campaign, effectively ending his bid for the 2016 presidential nomination.
03 Feb 2016 US Presidential Race Shifts: Kentucky Senator Rand Paul suspended his campaign for the Republican Party's presidential nomination. Simultaneously, former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum also withdrew from the race, further narrowing the Republican field.
06 Feb New Hampshire Republican Primary Debate: Republican presidential candidates prepared to debate in Manchester, New Hampshire, just days before the state's crucial second-in-the-nation primary election, signaling an important moment in the presidential campaign.
07 Feb Haiti's Political Transition: Haitian politicians agreed on a process to select an interim president following Michel Martelly's departure. Presidential elections were scheduled for April 14, with the winner to be sworn in on May 14. As a precautionary measure, Carnival celebrations were postponed due to potential anti-government protests.
09 Feb Historic primary election results in the U.S.: On February 9, 2016, the United States held primary elections in several states, leading to historic results. In New Hampshire, Bernie Sanders won the Democratic primary, and Donald Trump won the Republican primary. These outcomes were significant in shaping the trajectory of the 2016 presidential election, reflecting the political climate and voter sentiments at the time. source: nytimes.com
11 Feb Minimum Wage Protesters Disrupt Democratic Debate: Protesters calling for a $15 minimum wage stormed the venue before the sixth Democratic presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
14 Feb Central African Republic presidential election: The presidential election in the Central African Republic took place on February 14, 2016, as part of the country's efforts to restore democratic governance after years of conflict. This election was crucial for the political stability and future of the nation. source: bbc.com
16 Feb Sarkozy under investigation for campaign funds: Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy was placed under investigation regarding the financing of his 2012 presidential campaign. This investigation is part of a broader inquiry into alleged irregularities in campaign financing. source: bbc.com
19 Feb EU endorses UK reforms: The European Union endorsed a series of reforms proposed by the UK government aimed at addressing concerns over EU membership. This endorsement was seen as a crucial step ahead of the UK's referendum on EU membership. source: bbc.com
20 Feb Jeb Bush suspends presidential campaign after South Carolina primary: On February 20, 2016, former Florida Governor Jeb Bush suspended his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination following a disappointing fourth-place finish in the South Carolina primary. Bush acknowledged the decisions of voters in Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina, and expressed respect for their choices. source: washingtonpost.com
21 Feb Bolivian Constitutional Referendum: Exit polls revealed that Bolivian voters rejected a constitutional amendment that would have allowed President Evo Morales to seek a fourth term. This result effectively limits Morales' political tenure, with his current term set to expire in 2020.
22 Feb Ted Cruz Campaign Fires Spokesperson: Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz terminated campaign spokesperson Rick Tyler's employment after Tyler incorrectly posted misleading information about rival Marco Rubio on social media.
23 Feb Nevada Republican Caucuses: Trump Emerges Victorious: Donald Trump won the Nevada Republican caucuses on February 23, 2016, securing his third consecutive victory in the GOP presidential race. He received 45.9% of the vote, followed by Marco Rubio with 23.9% and Ted Cruz with 21.4%. source: apps.bostonglobe.com
25 Feb Jamaican General Election: Jamaican voters participated in general elections, with the Jamaican Labour Party, led by Andrew Holness, securing a narrow victory.
26 Feb Iranian Parliamentary and Assembly of Experts Elections: On February 26, 2016, Iran held elections for its 290-member Islamic Consultative Assembly (parliament) and the 88-member Assembly of Experts. The elections were notable for a high voter turnout, with nearly 55 million eligible voters. The reformist 'List of Hope' coalition, supporting President Hassan Rouhani, made significant gains, securing 15 out of Tehran's 16 seats in the Assembly of Experts and all 30 contested seats in Tehran's parliamentary elections. source: dw.com
27 Feb South Carolina Democratic Primary: Hillary Clinton won the South Carolina Democratic Party primary, gaining significant momentum in the 2016 United States Presidential Election.
28 Feb 2016 US Presidential Election - DNC Endorsement: Tulsi Gabbard, vice-chair of the Democratic National Committee, resigns and endorses Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders in the presidential race.
02 Mar Super Tuesday: Trump and Clinton dominate: On March 2, 2016, Super Tuesday primaries were held across multiple U.S. states. Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton emerged as dominant figures in the Republican and Democratic races, respectively, further solidifying their leads in the presidential primaries. source: nytimes.com
03 Mar New Zealand Flag Referendum Second Stage: New Zealand initiated the second stage of its national flag referendum, with voters choosing between the current national flag and a newly proposed design. Polls suggested the incumbent flag was likely to prevail, with voting scheduled to conclude on March 23, 2016.
05 Mar Democratic Party primary results: On March 5, 2016, the Democratic Party held primary elections in several states, including Texas and Georgia. The results were significant in shaping the race for the Democratic nomination, with Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders competing for delegates. source: nytimes.com
06 Mar US Presidential Primary Results: In the 2016 United States presidential election primaries, Marco Rubio won the Puerto Rican Republican Party primary, while Bernie Sanders secured victory in the Maine Democratic caucuses.
07 Mar Bloomberg Decides Against 2016 Presidential Run: Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced he will not run for president in 2016, citing concerns about potentially influencing the election's outcome.
08 Mar Donald Trump Wins Republican Primaries in Multiple States: Donald Trump secured victories in the Republican primaries of Michigan, Mississippi, and the Hawaii caucus, further solidifying his position in the 2016 presidential race.
09 Mar US Primary Elections: Super Saturday: On March 9, 2016, the United States held a series of primary elections, often referred to as 'Super Saturday,' as part of the presidential election process. Multiple states conducted their primaries, with significant attention on the outcomes that would influence the selection of party nominees for the upcoming presidential election. source: cnn.com
10 Mar Myanmar Presidential Candidates Proposed: Three candidates were proposed for the presidency of Myanmar: Htin Kyaw and Sai Nyunt Lwin from the National League for Democracy, and Khin Aung Myint representing the military.
11 Mar Ben Carson Endorses Donald Trump: Ben Carson, a retired American neurosurgeon and former presidential candidate, officially endorsed Donald Trump at a campaign event in Mar-a-Lago, Palm Beach, Florida.
12 Mar US presidential primaries: On March 12, 2016, several states held their presidential primaries, significantly impacting the race for the Democratic and Republican nominations. The results influenced the momentum of candidates as they approached the party conventions. source: npr.org
14 Mar Marco Rubio Exits Presidential Race: Marco Rubio announced his withdrawal from the Republican presidential nomination race, marking a significant moment in the 2016 election campaign.
15 Mar Super Tuesday 2 primaries held: On March 15, 2016, the United States held the second round of Super Tuesday primaries, with several states conducting their presidential primaries, influencing the trajectory of the 2016 presidential election. source: cnn.com
17 Mar Bernie Sanders Concedes Missouri Primary to Hillary Clinton: In the 2016 US Presidential Democratic primaries, Bernie Sanders conceded Missouri to Hillary Clinton, who won by a narrow margin of 1,531 votes (0.2%), choosing not to request a recount as the result fell within the state's 0.5% threshold.
18 Mar Threat to Donald Trump Campaign: On March 18, 2016, reports emerged of a threat to the campaign of then-presidential candidate Donald Trump. The nature of the threat was not specified in the available sources, but it underscored the security challenges faced by political figures during the election cycle. source: cnn.com
20 Mar Kazakhstani parliamentary election: Kazakhstan held its parliamentary elections on March 20, 2016, marking a significant political event in the country. The elections were closely monitored, with reports of limited opposition participation and concerns over electoral fairness. The ruling party maintained its majority in the parliament. source: reuters.com
22 Mar Trump wins Arizona primary: On March 22, 2016, Donald Trump won the Arizona primary, solidifying his position as the leading candidate for the Republican nomination in the 2016 presidential election. This victory was part of a series of wins in key states. source: bbc.com
23 Mar Senegal Constitutional Referendum: Senegalese voters approved constitutional reforms, including reducing presidential terms from seven to five years, with 63 percent of the vote.
24 Mar Myanmar parliamentary appointments: On March 24, 2016, Myanmar's parliament appointed new leaders, marking a significant step in the country's transition to democracy after decades of military rule. The appointments included the election of a new president and the formation of a civilian government, which was a pivotal moment in Myanmar's political landscape. source: bbc.com
26 Mar Bernie Sanders Wins Democratic Caucuses: Senator Bernie Sanders emerged as the likely winner in the Democratic Party caucuses held in Alaska, Washington, and Hawaii, signaling strong support in these states during the 2016 Presidential Primary season.
29 Mar Trump breaks Republican nomination pledge: On March 29, 2016, Donald Trump announced he would not honor a pledge to support the Republican nominee if he did not win the nomination himself. This statement raised concerns among party leaders about party unity ahead of the presidential election. source: washingtonpost.com
01 Apr Moldova to Hold Direct Presidential Election: The Parliament of Moldova announced a presidential election on October 30, marking the first direct election since 2001 following months of public protests demanding democratic reforms.
02 Apr Democratic National Committee hacking: On April 2, 2016, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) announced that its computer network had been breached by hackers. The intrusion was attributed to Russian state-sponsored actors, leading to concerns about election security and foreign interference in U.S. politics. source: nytimes.com
03 Apr South Africa presidential impeachment debate: On April 3, 2016, a debate regarding the impeachment of South African President Jacob Zuma took place in the National Assembly. The discussion centered around allegations of corruption and mismanagement. The debate was a pivotal moment in South African politics, reflecting growing public discontent. source: aljazeera.com
05 Apr 2016 Wisconsin Presidential Primary held: On April 5, 2016, Wisconsin held its presidential primary elections. The primaries were part of the 2016 United States presidential election process, with candidates from both major parties competing for delegates. The results influenced the momentum of various campaigns leading up to the national conventions. source: nytimes.com
06 Apr Dutch referendum rejects Ukraine-EU agreement: On April 6, 2016, Dutch voters held a non-binding referendum on the Association Agreement between the European Union and Ukraine. The treaty was rejected by 61% of voters, with a turnout of 32.2%, just above the 30% threshold required for the referendum to be valid. This outcome led the Dutch government to reconsider its plans to ratify the agreement. source: aljazeera.com
09 Apr Wyoming Democratic Caucuses: Wyoming Democratic caucuses held across counties, with Bernie Sanders expected to win, continuing the competitive 2016 Democratic presidential primary race.
10 Apr Peru General Election First Round: Peruvian voters participated in a general election, with Pedro Kuczynski and Keiko Fujimori advancing to the second round. The election was marred by a violent attack by Shining Path rebels that killed three people transporting election materials.
13 Apr South Korean Legislative Election: South Korean voters participated in a legislative election where the ruling Saenuri Party unexpectedly lost seats. The opposition Minjoo Party of Korea emerged victorious, potentially signaling a shift in the country's political landscape.
18 Apr Philippine General Election 2016 - Marcos defends Duterte: On April 18, 2016, during the Philippine general election campaign, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. defended then-presidential candidate Rodrigo Duterte against criticisms regarding his controversial policies. This election was marked by significant political tensions and debates over governance. source: bbc.com
25 Apr Arizona 2016 Election Controversy: A Maricopa County judge rejected Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich's request for a court challenge related to major polling issues during the March primary election.
27 Apr Ted Cruz selects Carly Fiorina as vice presidential running mate: On April 27, 2016, Ted Cruz announced Carly Fiorina as his vice presidential running mate during his campaign for the Republican nomination. This decision was seen as a strategic move to bolster his candidacy. source: cnn.com
29 Apr Trump Claims Republican Delegate Lead: Donald Trump, the Republican front-runner, announced he has secured 1,001 delegates for the Cleveland convention, moving closer to the party's presidential nomination.
30 Apr Serbian Election Protests: Approximately 2,000 protesters gathered in Belgrade to challenge alleged electoral fraud in Serbia's parliamentary elections. Demonstrators accused Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic of manipulating results to prevent the far-right Dveri Party from gaining parliamentary seats.
03 May Ted Cruz drops out of Republican race: On May 3, 2016, Ted Cruz announced his withdrawal from the Republican presidential race, effectively leaving Donald Trump as the presumptive nominee. This decision marked a significant moment in the 2016 U.S. presidential election cycle. source: nytimes.com
04 May John Kasich suspends presidential campaign: John Kasich announced the suspension of his presidential campaign following a disappointing performance in the Indiana primary. His exit left Donald Trump as the presumptive Republican nominee for the 2016 election. source: nbcnews.com
05 May Rick Perry Endorses Donald Trump for 2016 Presidential Election: Rick Perry, former Governor of Texas and previous Republican presidential candidate, endorsed Donald Trump for president. Perry also expressed openness to potentially serving as Trump's vice-presidential running mate.
06 May Sadiq Khan becomes London's first Muslim mayor: Sadiq Khan was elected as the Mayor of London, making history as the first Muslim to hold the position. His election was seen as a significant moment for diversity and representation in British politics. source: theguardian.com
07 May Bukit Batok by-election in Singapore: The People's Action Party (PAP) candidate, Murali Pillai, won the Bukit Batok parliamentary by-election with 61.2% of the vote, defeating Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) candidate Chee Soon Juan, who received 38.8%. The by-election was called after the resignation of the previous MP, David Ong, due to personal reasons. source: businesstimes.com.sg
08 May Australian double dissolution election called: Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced a double dissolution election, the first since 1974, to resolve a deadlock in the Senate. The election was scheduled for July 2, 2016, and aimed to address legislative gridlock by allowing the government to recontest all seats in both houses of Parliament. source: abc.net.au
09 May Brazil presidential impeachment controversy: Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff faced an impeachment trial over allegations of fiscal mismanagement. The controversy centered on claims that Rousseff manipulated government accounts to hide budget deficits, leading to widespread political turmoil. source: bbc.com
10 May Rodrigo Duterte wins Philippine presidential election: Rodrigo Duterte, mayor of Davao City, secured a commanding victory in the Philippine presidential election, according to data released by the PPCRV, a Catholic Church-run poll monitor accredited by the government to tally the votes. source: business-standard.com
13 May Brazil's Presidential Transition: In a significant political development, Brazilian Vice President Michel Temer assumed presidential powers as Acting President following the impeachment of President Dilma Rousseff, marking a major shift in Brazil's political landscape.
15 May Rodrigo Duterte elected President of the Philippines: On May 15, 2016, Rodrigo Duterte was elected as the 16th President of the Philippines. Known for his tough stance on crime and drugs, Duterte's election marked a significant shift in the country's political landscape. source: bbc.com
17 May Oregon Primary Elections: Oregon held its primary elections with mail-in ballots, where Donald Trump was projected to win the Republican primary and Bernie Sanders was expected to win the Democratic primary, reflecting the ongoing 2016 U.S. presidential election dynamics.
22 May Austrian Presidential Election: Austria held the second round of its presidential election, with candidates Norbert Hofer and Alexander Van der Bellen competing, in a contest that could potentially see the first far-right head of state in the European Union.
24 May Van der Bellen Wins Austrian Presidential Election: Alexander Van der Bellen narrowly defeated far-right candidate Norbert Hofer by just 31,000 votes to become the President of Austria, blocking a potential rise of far-right politics in the country.
25 May Washington State Presidential Primary: On May 25, 2016, Washington State held its presidential primary, with Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton and Republican candidate Donald Trump securing victories. The primary results contributed to the candidates' momentum in their respective parties' nomination processes for the 2016 presidential election. source: nytimes.com
26 May Trump secures Republican nomination: On May 26, 2016, Donald Trump secured the Republican nomination for the 2016 presidential election after winning the Washington State primary. This victory solidified his position as the party's candidate, leading to the general election in November. source: nytimes.com
27 May Trump secures Republican nomination: Donald Trump officially became the Republican nominee for President of the United States after securing enough delegates during the primaries. His nomination marked a significant moment in the 2016 election cycle, reflecting a shift in the Republican Party's base and priorities. source: nytimes.com
29 May Gary Johnson Wins Libertarian Party Nomination: Former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson secured the Libertarian Party's presidential nomination, choosing William Weld, a former Massachusetts governor, as his running mate for the 2016 United States presidential election.
30 May Philippine Congress Proclaims Rodrigo Duterte as President-Elect: On May 30, 2016, the Philippine Congress officially proclaimed Rodrigo Duterte as the president-elect following his victory in the May 9 presidential election. Duterte secured over 16.6 million votes, leading his closest rival, Manuel Roxas, by more than six million votes. Leni Robredo was also proclaimed as the vice president-elect. source: aljazeera.com
02 Jun Paul Ryan Endorses Trump: U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan officially endorsed Donald Trump as the Republican presidential candidate.
05 Jun Okinawa Prefectural Election Challenges Japanese Government's Military Base Plan: In the Okinawa Prefectural Assembly election held on June 5, 2016, candidates opposing the relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma to Henoko secured a majority, winning 27 of the 48 seats. This outcome bolstered Governor Takeshi Onaga's stance against the base relocation, signaling strong local opposition to the plan. source: japantimes.co.jp
06 Jun Peru presidential election nearing conclusion: In the 2016 Peruvian presidential election, no candidate secured an absolute majority in the first round held on April 10, 2016. The top two candidates, Keiko Fujimori and Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, advanced to a runoff scheduled for June 5, 2016. Fujimori led the first round with approximately 40% of the vote, while Kuczynski and Verónika Mendoza each received around 20%. source: en.wikipedia.org
09 Jun Trump Tower meeting between Trump campaign and Russian lawyer: On June 9, 2016, Donald Trump Jr., Jared Kushner, and Paul Manafort met with Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya at Trump Tower. The meeting was intended to discuss damaging information about Hillary Clinton. This event has been scrutinized in the context of Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. source: washingtonpost.com
14 Jun Russian hackers breach Democratic National Committee: On June 14, 2016, it was reported that Russian hackers had breached the Democratic National Committee's computer systems. This incident raised concerns about cybersecurity and foreign interference in the upcoming U.S. elections. source: washingtonpost.com
19 Jun Rome elects first female mayor: On June 19, 2016, Virginia Raggi was elected as the first female mayor of Rome. Raggi, a member of the Five Star Movement, won the mayoral election with a significant majority. Her election was seen as a breakthrough for women in Italian politics and marked a shift in Rome's political landscape.
20 Jun Venezuelan recall referendum: On June 20, 2016, the Venezuelan National Electoral Council announced that a recall referendum against President Nicolás Maduro would proceed. This political event was significant in the context of Venezuela's ongoing economic and political crisis. source: reuters.com
23 Jun Brexit referendum held in the UK: On June 23, 2016, the United Kingdom held a referendum to decide whether to remain in or leave the European Union. The vote resulted in a majority favoring leaving the EU, which had significant political and economic implications. source: bbc.com
24 Jun UK votes to leave the EU in Brexit referendum: On June 24, 2016, the results of the Brexit referendum were confirmed, with the UK voting to leave the European Union. This decision led to immediate political and economic repercussions both domestically and internationally. source: bbc.com
25 Jun Venezuela Recall Referendum Progress: Opposition leaders claimed to have collected enough signatures to proceed with a recall referendum against President Nicolas Maduro. Electoral officials must now validate the process.
26 Jun Petition for second Brexit referendum gains traction: On June 26, 2016, a petition for a second referendum on Brexit gained significant support, surpassing 4 million signatures. The petition called for the government to reconsider the decision to leave the EU following the initial referendum results. This sparked widespread debate and discussions in the UK. source: theguardian.com
28 Jun European Parliament's first Brexit debate held: On June 28, 2016, the European Parliament held its first debate regarding Brexit following the UK's referendum. The discussions focused on the implications of the UK's departure from the EU and the future relationship between the two entities. This marked a significant moment in EU politics. source: bbc.com
29 Jun UK Conservative Party leadership election begins: The UK Conservative Party leadership election officially began on June 29, 2016, following the resignation of Prime Minister David Cameron. This election was pivotal in shaping the future of the party and the country post-Brexit. source: bbc.com
30 Jun Theresa May enters Conservative leadership race: On June 30, 2016, Theresa May, then Home Secretary, announced her candidacy for the leadership of the Conservative Party, following the resignation of Prime Minister David Cameron after the Brexit referendum. May's entry into the race set the stage for her eventual election as Prime Minister. source: en.wikipedia.org
02 Jul Australian Federal Election 2016: Australians voted in a federal election where Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's conservative Liberal Party-led Coalition secured a slim majority. The Coalition won 76 seats, while the Australian Labor Party secured 69 seats.
03 Jul Sarkozy's Political Maneuver: Nicolas Sarkozy, former French President, resigned from leadership of The Republicans party and announced his intention to run for President again in the 2017 election, signaling his continued political ambitions.
04 Jul Nigel Farage Resigns as UKIP Leader: Nigel Farage stepped down as leader of the UK Independence Party (UKIP) following the Brexit referendum, though he and other party members would continue serving in the European Parliament.
05 Jul FBI clears Hillary Clinton in email investigation: On July 5, 2016, the FBI announced that it would not recommend charges against Hillary Clinton regarding her use of a private email server during her tenure as Secretary of State. This decision was significant in the context of the 2016 presidential election. source: bbc.com
10 Jul Australian Federal Election 2016: Malcolm Turnbull's coalition government secured a narrow victory in the Australian federal election. Bill Shorten, the Leader of the Opposition, conceded defeat as the counting of marginal seats suggested the coalition would either win a majority or govern with independent support.
11 Jul UK Conservative Party leadership change: On July 11, 2016, Theresa May was appointed as the leader of the UK Conservative Party, succeeding David Cameron. May's leadership marked a significant shift in British politics, especially in the context of the Brexit referendum results. source: bbc.com
12 Jul Bernie Sanders endorses Hillary Clinton: On July 12, 2016, Senator Bernie Sanders officially endorsed Hillary Clinton for the 2016 United States presidential election. This endorsement followed a contentious primary season and aimed to unify the Democratic Party ahead of the general election. source: nytimes.com
13 Jul UK leadership change: Cameron resigns, May takes over: David Cameron officially resigned as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, paving the way for Theresa May to assume leadership. This transition followed the Brexit referendum, where the UK voted to leave the European Union. source: bbc.com
15 Jul Trump selects Mike Pence as VP candidate: Donald Trump announced Indiana Governor Mike Pence as his running mate for the 2016 presidential election. This selection was seen as a strategic move to solidify support among conservative voters. source: nytimes.com
17 Jul Presidential Election in Sao Tome & Principe: Sao Tome & Principe held its presidential election, with Evaristo Carvalho, the former Prime Minister, being elected in the first round, signaling a peaceful democratic process.
19 Jul Donald Trump nominated as Republican presidential candidate: Donald Trump was officially nominated as the Republican candidate for President of the United States during the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio. This marked a significant moment in the 2016 election cycle, as Trump had a controversial campaign leading up to this nomination. source: nytimes.com
20 Jul Donald Trump officially nominated as GOP presidential candidate: On July 20, 2016, Donald Trump was officially nominated as the Republican presidential candidate at the Republican National Convention. This event solidified his position as the party's nominee for the upcoming presidential election. source: cnn.com
22 Jul 2016 US presidential election: Clinton's VP selection: Hillary Clinton announced her selection of Tim Kaine as her running mate for the 2016 presidential election. This decision was seen as a strategic move to appeal to moderate voters. source: nytimes.com
27 Jul Spain's Constitutional Court challenges Catalonia: On July 27, 2016, Spain's Constitutional Court ruled against a Catalan law that sought to hold a referendum on independence. This decision intensified tensions between the Spanish government and Catalan separatists. source: bbc.com
28 Jul Hillary Clinton accepts Democratic presidential nomination: On July 28, 2016, Hillary Clinton officially accepted the Democratic Party's nomination for president at the Democratic National Convention. Her acceptance speech focused on unity and the future of America. source: cnn.com
29 Jul FBI Reports Potential Clinton Campaign Hack: The Federal Bureau of Investigation reported claims of cyber-attacks targeting Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign during the Democratic primary.
31 Jul DNC cyber attack allegations: The Democratic National Committee (DNC) reported a cyber attack, alleging that Russian hackers gained access to its servers. The breach raised concerns about election security and foreign interference.
01 Aug Trump-Khan family controversy: A public dispute arose between then-presidential candidate Donald Trump and the family of a fallen Muslim American soldier, Khizr Khan. The controversy centered around remarks made by Trump regarding the Khan family's sacrifice.
02 Aug DNC Email Leak Scandal: A significant email leak at the Democratic National Committee led to the resignation of three top staffers just 100 days before the November elections, causing internal political turmoil.
04 Aug South African local elections: On August 4, 2016, South Africa held local elections, marking a significant moment in the country's democratic process. The elections were closely watched, with various parties vying for control of municipalities. The results had implications for the ruling party's influence in the region. source: bbc.com
06 Aug Senator Schatz Criticizes Trump's Philippines Comments: Hawaii U.S. Senator Brian Schatz publicly criticized Donald Trump for his controversial statement calling the Philippines a 'terrorist country' during the 2016 presidential election campaign.
07 Aug Thailand Approves Military-Backed Constitution: Thai voters approved a new constitution with 61.45% support, which would restore elections while significantly empowering the military. The military junta had prohibited opposition campaigns, raising concerns about democratic processes.
09 Aug Republican security experts denounce Trump: In August 2016, several Republican security experts publicly criticized then-presidential candidate Donald Trump for his foreign policy positions and rhetoric. They expressed concerns about his approach to national security and its potential implications for U.S. foreign relations and global stability. source: nytimes.com
11 Aug Zambian General Election and Constitutional Referendum: Zambia held general elections where voters elected a president and national assembly, and voted on proposed constitutional amendments. Incumbent President Edgar Lungu faced opposition leader Hakainde Haichilema and seven other candidates in a significant democratic process.
19 Aug Paul Manafort resigns from Trump campaign: On August 19, 2016, Paul Manafort resigned as the campaign chairman for Donald Trump amid growing scrutiny over his past work in Ukraine. His departure marked a significant shift in the Trump campaign's leadership during the presidential election. source: nytimes.com
21 Aug Labour Party Internal Conflict: Sadiq Khan, the London Mayor, publicly called on Labour Party members not to support Jeremy Corbyn in the upcoming party leadership election, revealing internal party tensions.
22 Aug Nicolas Sarkozy Announces 2017 Presidential Campaign: Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy officially declared his candidacy for the 2017 French presidential election, representing The Republicans party. This marks his political comeback after previously serving as president from 2007 to 2012.
27 Aug Northern Territory Election: The Australian Labor Party achieved a landslide victory in the Northern Territory general election, dramatically reducing the Country Liberal Party's representation to just two seats.
28 Aug 2016 Gabonese Presidential Election Dispute: In the Gabonese Presidential Election, incumbent President Ali Bongo Ondimba and his main challenger Jean Ping both claimed victory, with official results pending and potential political tensions brewing.
31 Aug Disputed Gabon Presidential Election: Ali Bongo was re-elected as President of Gabon, sparking protests that escalated to protesters setting fire to the National Assembly in Libreville, reflecting political tensions in the country.
04 Sep Hong Kong Legislative Council Election: Hong Kong held a significant Legislative Council election, marking the first major electoral event since the 2014 pro-democracy demonstrations. Young independence-supporting candidates made notable gains.
11 Sep US Election: Hillary Clinton's Pneumonia Revelation: On September 11, 2016, Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton abruptly left a 9/11 commemoration ceremony in New York City after feeling 'overheated.' Later that day, her campaign disclosed that she had been diagnosed with pneumonia and was advised to rest and modify her schedule. source: cbsnews.com
12 Sep David Cameron resigns as MP: On September 12, 2016, former UK Prime Minister David Cameron announced his resignation as a Member of Parliament. This decision followed his departure from the premiership after the Brexit referendum, marking the end of his political career. source: bbc.com
16 Sep 2016 Presidential debate invitation: On September 16, 2016, the Commission on Presidential Debates announced the official invitations for the upcoming presidential debates. The debates were set to feature candidates from the major political parties, providing a platform for discussing key issues ahead of the election. source: nbcnews.com
18 Sep Russian legislative election 2016: The Russian legislative elections were held on September 18, 2016, to elect members of the State Duma. The elections were marked by allegations of widespread fraud and manipulation, with the ruling United Russia party securing a significant majority. source: bbc.com
24 Sep UK Labour Party leadership election: The UK Labour Party held its leadership election, with Jeremy Corbyn seeking re-election amid internal party divisions. The election was closely watched as it could impact the party's direction and future policies. source: bbc.com
26 Sep First 2016 US Presidential Debate held: On September 26, 2016, the first presidential debate of the 2016 United States election took place at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York. The debate featured candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump discussing various policy issues. source: cnn.com
27 Sep Iranian Presidential Election 2017: Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad declines to run for a third term in the 2017 presidential election, following prior advice from Ayatollah Ahmad Ali Khamenei against seeking the presidency.
02 Oct Brexit timeline announced by UK government: On October 2, 2016, the UK government announced a timeline for the Brexit process, detailing the steps to be taken following the referendum. This announcement aimed to clarify the government's approach to negotiations with the EU. source: bbc.com
04 Oct 2016 U.S. Vice Presidential Debate held: On October 4, 2016, the U.S. Vice Presidential Debate took place, featuring candidates Tim Kaine and Mike Pence. The debate focused on key issues such as foreign policy, domestic issues, and the candidates' visions for the future. source: nbcnews.com
07 Oct US Accuses Russia of Election Interference: On October 7, 2016, the United States government publicly accused Russia of interfering in the 2016 presidential election. The Department of Homeland Security and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence released a joint statement attributing cyberattacks on political organizations to Russian state-sponsored actors. source: dhs.gov
08 Oct Georgian Parliamentary Election: Georgian citizens participated in a legislative election, exercising their democratic right to choose their parliamentary representatives.
13 Oct Sexual Misconduct Allegations Against Donald Trump: Several women publicly accused Donald Trump of unwanted sexual advances, including groping and inappropriate kissing, during the 2016 presidential campaign.
16 Oct Montenegro Parliamentary Election Results: In the 2016 Montenegrin parliamentary elections, Prime Minister Milo Dukanovic's Democratic Party of Socialists won over 95 percent of votes but fell short of an absolute majority by five seats. Dukanovic pledged to form a coalition with national minorities parties.
18 Oct US accuses Russia of election interference: On October 18, 2016, U.S. officials publicly accused Russia of interfering in the upcoming presidential election. This marked a significant escalation in the ongoing investigation into foreign influence in American politics. source: nytimes.com
19 Oct Third 2016 U.S. presidential debate: The third and final presidential debate of the 2016 U.S. election took place on October 19, 2016. Candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump faced off in a heated discussion covering various topics, including foreign policy and domestic issues. source: nbcnews.com
20 Oct Final 2016 U.S. presidential debate: The final debate of the 2016 U.S. presidential election occurred on October 20, 2016. Candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump debated key issues, including immigration and healthcare, in a highly publicized event. source: cnn.com
23 Oct Spanish government formation breakthrough: On October 23, 2016, Spain's political parties reached a breakthrough in government formation talks, ending a prolonged period of political deadlock. The agreement paved the way for the formation of a new government, addressing the challenges posed by the previous election results. source: elpais.com
26 Oct Colin Powell Endorses Hillary Clinton: Republican former Secretary of State Colin Powell announced his support for Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. Powell praised Clinton's service, stating that she had served the country with 'distinction' and demonstrated 'experience and stamina'.
27 Oct Mike Pence Campaign Plane Incident: The campaign plane of Mike Pence, Republican Party vice-presidential candidate, skidded off the runway at LaGuardia Airport in New York. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The incident led to runway damage and the closure of the airport, and a planned fundraiser was subsequently cancelled.
28 Oct FBI announces email investigation findings: FBI Director James Comey announced the reopening of the investigation into Hillary Clinton's emails, just days before the presidential election. This announcement had significant implications for the election's outcome. source: nytimes.com
29 Oct FBI reopens Clinton email investigation: The FBI announced it was reopening the investigation into Hillary Clinton's emails, a move that stirred controversy and had significant implications for the upcoming presidential election. source: nytimes.com
30 Oct FBI Director Comey announces new Clinton emails: FBI Director James Comey announced the discovery of new emails related to the investigation into Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server, further complicating the political landscape ahead of the election. source: nytimes.com
31 Oct Michel Aoun elected President of Lebanon: On October 31, 2016, Michel Aoun, a former army chief and ally of Hezbollah, was elected as President of Lebanon, ending a 29-month presidential vacuum. Aoun secured 83 votes in the 128-seat parliament, surpassing the 65 needed for election. source: upi.com
07 Nov Clinton and Trump make final campaign pitches: On November 7, 2016, both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump made their final campaign appearances ahead of the U.S. presidential election. Clinton emphasized themes of hope, inclusiveness, and hard work, urging voters to choose a future of unity and progress. Trump focused on themes of change and restoring American greatness, appealing to voters seeking a shift from the status quo. source: time.com
08 Nov 2016 United States Presidential Election: On November 8, 2016, the United States held its presidential election, in which Republican candidate Donald Trump defeated Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. The election was marked by a contentious campaign and unexpected results, leading to widespread discussion and analysis. source: nytimes.com
09 Nov Donald Trump elected president: On November 9, 2016, Donald Trump was elected as the 45th President of the United States, defeating Hillary Clinton in the presidential election. His victory was considered a major political upset, as he was a political outsider with no prior elected office experience. source: nytimes.com
10 Nov Trump Transition Team Formation: On November 10, 2016, President-elect Donald Trump began the critical process of assembling his Cabinet and transition team, preparing for the upcoming presidential administration and defining the initial leadership of his government.
13 Nov Bulgarian Presidential Election: Bulgarians voted in a presidential race between Rumen Radev of the socialist opposition and Tsetska Tsacheva from the conservative GERB party. Exit polls indicated Radev leading with approximately 58% of the vote, compared to Tsacheva's 35%.
14 Nov Bulgarian Political Transition: Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov resigned following the presidential election victory of Rumen Radev, signaling a potential shift in the country's political landscape.
15 Nov Ben Carson Becomes Trump Advisor: Former GOP presidential candidate Ben Carson became an advisor to Donald Trump, choosing not to accept a Cabinet position despite his prominent role in the campaign.
17 Nov Shinzo Abe Meets Donald Trump: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe became the first foreign head of government to meet President-elect Donald Trump after the U.S. election, signaling potential diplomatic developments.
20 Nov South Korean presidential scandal: On November 20, 2016, South Korean President Park Geun-hye was embroiled in a major political scandal involving allegations of corruption and abuse of power. This led to widespread protests and calls for her resignation. source: bbc.com
24 Nov 2016 U.S. Presidential Election recount efforts: Following the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election, recount efforts were initiated in several states, including Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. These efforts aimed to verify the election results, with some being requested by the Green Party candidate Jill Stein. source: npr.org
26 Nov Clinton campaign joins Wisconsin election recount: On November 26, 2016, the Clinton campaign announced its participation in the Wisconsin election recount initiated by the Green Party, aiming to ensure a fair process. The recount confirmed Trump's victory in Wisconsin, with a net gain of 131 votes. source: en.wikipedia.org
27 Nov François Fillon wins French Republican primary: On November 27, 2016, François Fillon secured victory in France's conservative presidential primary, defeating Alain Juppé with 66.5% of the vote. Fillon campaigned on promises of free-market reforms and a crackdown on immigration and Islamist extremism. source: dw.com
28 Nov US presidential election results confirmed: On November 28, 2016, the US Electoral College confirmed Donald Trump's victory in the 2016 presidential election, despite ongoing recount efforts in several states. Trump secured 304 electoral votes to Hillary Clinton's 227. source: npr.org
30 Nov Hong Kong Legislative Council Controversy: Two Hong Kong Youngspiration party Legislative Council election winners lost their appeal to be seated in parliament, with a High Court panel of three judges ruling against them. The case highlights ongoing tensions surrounding political representation in Hong Kong.
01 Dec François Hollande Declines Re-election: French President François Hollande announced he will not seek re-election, marking a significant moment in French political history and opening the path for new leadership in the Socialist Party.
03 Dec 2016 US Election Recount Developments: Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein withdrew her lawsuit for a statewide vote recount in Pennsylvania due to prohibitively high costs, effectively concluding her election challenge.
04 Dec Uzbekistan presidential election: On December 4, 2016, Uzbekistan held a presidential election following the death of long-time leader Islam Karimov. The election was won by Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who had been serving as acting president since Karimov's death, marking a significant political transition in the country. source: en.wikipedia.org
05 Dec South Korean presidential impeachment hearings begin: On December 5, 2016, South Korea's National Assembly began impeachment hearings against President Park Geun-hye. The hearings were initiated following a corruption scandal involving the president and her close confidante, leading to widespread public protests and political turmoil. source: en.wikipedia.org
06 Dec Bernard Cazeneuve Becomes French Prime Minister: Bernard Cazeneuve was appointed as the new Prime Minister of France, set to replace Manuel Valls in preparation for the 2017 French Presidential Election.
07 Dec Ghanaian Presidential Election: Ghana held its presidential election with a highly competitive race between incumbent John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress and challenger Nana Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party.
08 Dec Trump nominates Andrew Puzder as Labor Secretary: President-elect Donald Trump announced the nomination of Andrew Puzder, CEO of CKE Restaurants, as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor. Puzder's selection drew mixed reactions, with some praising his business acumen and others expressing concerns over his labor practices. source: presidency.ucsb.edu
10 Dec Louisiana Senate Election: Foster Campbell of the Democratic Party was defeated by John N. Kennedy of the Republican Party in the United States Senate election for Louisiana.
11 Dec Russian Election Interference Allegations: On December 11, 2016, reports emerged alleging that Russian operatives had interfered in the U.S. presidential election by hacking and releasing emails from the Democratic National Committee. These actions were part of a broader campaign to influence the election outcome. source: nytimes.com
13 Dec Political crisis in The Gambia: Following the December 2016 presidential elections, incumbent President Yahya Jammeh initially conceded defeat to challenger Adama Barrow. However, Jammeh later rejected the election results, calling for annulment and appealing to the Supreme Court, which refused to rule. He deployed troops to the capital, Banjul, and the city of Serekunda, leading to a constitutional crisis. The United Nations and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) called on Jammeh to step down. source: en.wikipedia.org
15 Dec Intelligence agencies allege Putin directed election hacking: On December 15, 2016, U.S. intelligence agencies publicly stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin had directed efforts to interfere in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. The agencies reported that Russian operatives had engaged in cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns aimed at influencing the election outcome in favor of Donald Trump. This assessment was based on evidence of Russian involvement in hacking Democratic Party emails and spreading propaganda. source: cnbc.com
18 Dec Ivorian Parliamentary Election: Côte d'Ivoire held its parliamentary elections, allowing citizens to participate in the democratic process and potentially shape the country's political landscape.
22 Dec South Korean Presidential Election Preparations: United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and liberal candidate Moon Jae-in prepare to challenge for the vacant presidential position in South Korea, following the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye.
26 Dec Hollande Declines Second Presidential Term: French President Francois Hollande made the unprecedented announcement that he would not seek a second term, becoming the first modern French leader to voluntarily step aside before completing a potential second term.
29 Dec US expels Russian diplomats over election interference: On December 29, 2016, the United States expelled 35 Russian diplomats in response to alleged interference in the 2016 presidential election. This action was part of a broader set of sanctions against Russia, which included closing two Russian compounds in the U.S. source: nytimes.com

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