2017 Elections & Political Transitions Events — Verified Historical Highlights

2017 Elections & Political Transitions Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to

01 Jan Sinaloa Gubernatorial Election: Quirino Ordaz-Coppel was elected as the Governor of Sinaloa, a state in Mexico, marking a significant political transition in the region.
03 Jan 115th US Congress: ethics controversy and speaker election: On January 3, 2017, the 115th Congress convened, facing an ethics controversy regarding the House leadership. Paul Ryan was re-elected as Speaker amid discussions on ethics reforms. source: nytimes.com
06 Jan U.S. intelligence agencies release report confirming Russian interference in 2016 presidential election: On January 6, 2017, U.S. intelligence agencies released a report confirming that Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election. The report detailed efforts by Russian operatives to influence the election outcome through cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns. This assessment was based on evidence gathered from various intelligence sources. source: nytimes.com
09 Jan Political Resignation in Northern Ireland: Martin McGuinness of Sinn Féin resigned as Northern Ireland's deputy first minister in protest of a £490 million failed energy scheme, potentially triggering a snap election.
11 Jan Trump's First Post-Election Press Conference: On January 11, 2017, President-elect Donald Trump held his first press conference since the November 2016 election. During the conference, he addressed topics such as the alleged Russian interference in the election, his business interests, and the appointments for his incoming administration, providing insights into his policy priorities and approach to governance. source: cnbc.com
12 Jan Trump Criticizes Intelligence Agencies and Press: On January 12, 2017, President-elect Donald Trump criticized U.S. intelligence agencies and the press during a press conference. He questioned the credibility of intelligence reports regarding Russian interference in the 2016 election and accused the media of spreading false information, highlighting ongoing tensions between the incoming administration and intelligence agencies. source: cnbc.com
13 Jan African Union rejects Jammeh's presidency: On January 13, 2017, the African Union (AU) declared that Yahya Jammeh's presidency in The Gambia was no longer recognized, following his refusal to step down after losing the presidential election. The AU's decision was part of a broader international effort to pressure Jammeh to cede power peacefully. source: aljazeera.com
14 Jan Turkish parliament approves constitutional amendments: On January 14, 2017, the Turkish parliament approved a series of constitutional amendments that would grant President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan increased executive powers. The amendments were part of a broader effort to transition Turkey to a presidential system of governance. source: reuters.com
16 Jan Northern Ireland Assembly Snap Election: James Brokenshire, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, announced a snap election for March 2, 2017, following the failure of Sinn Fein and the Democratic Unionist Party to reach a power-sharing deal in the wake of the Renewable Heat Incentive scandal.
22 Jan Israel Approves New Settlement Homes: In a politically significant move following Donald Trump's presidential inauguration, Israel approved the construction of 566 new settlement homes in East Jerusalem, potentially escalating tensions in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian territorial dispute.
23 Jan Missing Funds Reported in Gambia After Presidential Transition: An advisor to Gambian President Adama Barrow revealed that approximately 500 million dalasi (equivalent to US$11.3 million) were reported missing from state coffers following the exile of former President Yahya Jammeh.
24 Jan Israeli Settlement Expansion in West Bank: Israel approved construction of 2,500 additional homes in the West Bank, marking the highest number of settlement homes approved in years and the second approval since Donald Trump's presidential inauguration.
25 Jan President Trump's early presidential actions: On January 25, 2017, President Donald Trump signed several executive orders, including one to advance the construction of the border wall between the United States and Mexico. This move intensified diplomatic tensions between the two countries. source: bbc.com
08 Feb Somalia Elects New President: In a surprising turn of events, Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed was elected President of Somalia during a high-stakes election at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu. The current president, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who was seeking a second term, was defeated by the former Prime Minister.
09 Feb Congressman seeks clarity on Trump-Russia ties: On February 9, 2017, Congressman Adam Schiff called for clarity regarding the Trump administration's ties to Russia amid ongoing investigations. This request was part of a broader inquiry into Russian interference in the 2016 election. source: politico.com
11 Feb Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly Election: The first phase of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly election took place, testing India's recent demonetization policy that withdrew 86 percent of its cash circulation in November 2016.
12 Feb Swiss Immigration Referendum: Swiss voters approved a referendum making it easier for third-generation immigrants to obtain citizenship, signaling a progressive approach to naturalization.
19 Feb Ecuadorian General Elections: Ecuador held national elections to elect the National Assembly and president, with Lenin Moreno facing Guillermo Lasso and six other candidates. A potential runoff was scheduled for April 2 if no candidate secured 40% of votes with a 10-point lead.
21 Feb Nagorno Karabakh Constitutional Referendum: In a significant political transformation, 87.6% of voters in the disputed Nagorno Karabakh region approved a constitutional change converting the governance system from semi-presidential to fully presidential, effectively eliminating the prime minister's role.
23 Feb UK By-Elections: Labour and Conservative Results: In the United Kingdom by-elections, Labour's Gareth Snell defeated UKIP's leader Paul Nuttall in Stoke-on-Trent Central, while Conservative Party candidate Trudy Harrison won the Copeland By-election - the first governing party win since 1982.
02 Mar Northern Ireland Assembly holds snap election: On March 2, 2017, Northern Ireland held a snap election for its devolved legislature, the Northern Ireland Assembly, following the collapse of the power-sharing government. source: bbc.com
03 Mar Mike Nesbitt Resigns as UUP Leader: Following a disappointing performance in the Northern Ireland Assembly elections, Mike Nesbitt announced his resignation as leader of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP), signaling potential shifts in Northern Irish political dynamics.
04 Mar Trump's wiretapping allegations: On March 4, 2017, President Trump accused former President Obama of wiretapping his phones during the 2016 election. This claim sparked widespread controversy and led to investigations by various congressional committees. source: nytimes.com
11 Mar Western Australian State Election: In the 2017 Western Australian State Election, the Labor Party defeated the Liberal Party after eight years, with Mark McGowan becoming the new Premier of Western Australia.
12 Mar Abkhazian Parliamentary Elections: Abkhazia, a breakaway state located in the South Caucasus region, conducted its parliamentary elections, allowing citizens to participate in the democratic process despite its disputed international status.
13 Mar Scotland Seeks Second Independence Referendum: On March 13, 2017, Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced plans to seek a second independence referendum. This move came in response to the Brexit vote, which had significant implications for Scotland's future within the UK. The announcement reignited debates over Scottish nationalism and self-determination. source: bbc.com
15 Mar Dutch general election held: The Dutch general election took place on March 15, 2017, with significant attention on the rise of populist parties. The election results were closely watched as a barometer for European politics. source: bbc.com
17 Mar Donna Brazile admits to debate question leak: Donna Brazile, former chair of the Democratic National Committee, admitted to leaking debate questions to Hillary Clinton's campaign during the 2016 presidential election. This revelation raised concerns about the integrity of the debate process and led to significant backlash against the DNC. source: cnn.com
20 Mar US House Intelligence Committee Hearing on Russian Interference: On March 20, 2017, the House Intelligence Committee held its first public hearing on Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. FBI Director James Comey confirmed that the FBI was investigating Russian efforts to interfere in the election and any potential links between the Trump campaign and the Russian government. source: time.com
24 Mar Le Pen Meets Putin, Advocates for Sanctions Lift: French presidential candidate Marine Le Pen met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and subsequently urged the European Union to lift sanctions against Russia.
26 Mar Hong Kong Chief Executive Election: On March 26, 2017, Hong Kong held an election for its Chief Executive, with Carrie Lam emerging as the winner. The election was marked by controversy and discussions about the future of democracy in Hong Kong amid increasing influence from Beijing. source: bbc.com
27 Mar 2017 Bulgarian Parliamentary Election Results: Official election results were released, confirming that the centre-right GERB party won the most votes in the Bulgarian parliamentary election.
28 Mar Scottish Independence Referendum Proposed: The Scottish Parliament voted in favor of holding a second referendum on the country's independence within the next two years, potentially reshaping the United Kingdom's political landscape.
30 Mar Turkish Consulate Clashes in Brussels: Tensions escalate as numerous people are injured during clashes at the Turkish consulate in Brussels, likely related to the 2017 Turkish Constitutional Referendum.
02 Apr Ecuadorian presidential election held: The Ecuadorian presidential election took place on April 2, 2017, to elect a new president. Lenín Moreno won the election, succeeding Rafael Correa. The election was marked by a high voter turnout and significant political implications for the country. source: bbc.com
03 Apr Armenian Parliamentary Election: The Republican Party, led by President Serzh Sargsyan, claimed victory in the Armenian parliamentary election, despite significant allegations of voting irregularities from opposition parties and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.
06 Apr Gambian Parliamentary Election: Gambians participated in their first legislative election since the resignation of long-time President Yahya Jammeh, marking a significant moment in the country's democratic transition.
09 Apr South Ossetia Referendum on Name Change: Voters in the separatist state of South Ossetia participated in an election and referendum to potentially change the region's official name to "Republic of South Ossetia - The State of Alania", reflecting ongoing geopolitical complexities in the region.
11 Apr Iranian Presidential Election 2017 Candidate Registration Opens: The five-day candidate registration period begins for the Iranian presidential election scheduled for May 19, 2017. Candidates must complete their registration during this specified timeframe.
12 Apr Ahmadinejad Seeks Third Presidential Term: Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad registered to run in the 2017 Iranian presidential election, seeking a non-consecutive third term, which could potentially reshape Iran's political landscape.
14 Apr Iranian presidential election preparations: On April 14, 2017, Iran began preparations for its presidential election, scheduled for May 19. Candidates were registering, and the political landscape was heating up as various factions positioned themselves for the vote. source: reuters.com
15 Apr Iranian Presidential Election Candidacy Filing: Tehran Mayor Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf and First Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri filed their candidacies before the registration deadline. The final list of approved candidates was expected to be released on April 27.
16 Apr Turkish constitutional referendum: On April 16, 2017, Turkey held a referendum on 18 proposed constitutional amendments, including the introduction of an executive presidency. The amendments were approved, leading to significant changes in Turkey's governance. source: en.wikipedia.org
17 Apr Paraguay's president declines re-election bid: On April 17, 2017, Paraguay's President Horacio Cartes announced he would not seek re-election, a decision that influenced the country's political landscape.
18 Apr UK snap election proposal: On April 18, 2017, UK Prime Minister Theresa May announced a proposal for a snap general election, aiming to strengthen her mandate for Brexit negotiations.
19 Apr French presidential election polling: Polling data for the upcoming French presidential election indicated a tight race among candidates. The election was seen as crucial for the future of France and the European Union. source: reuters.com
20 Apr Terrorist attack on Champs-Élysées: A gunman opened fire on police officers on the Champs-Élysées in Paris, resulting in fatalities. The attack heightened security concerns ahead of the French presidential election. source: bbc.com
21 Apr French presidential election dynamics: As the French presidential election approached, dynamics shifted among candidates, influencing voter sentiment. The election was seen as pivotal for France's future. source: reuters.com
22 Apr French presidential election campaign concludes: The campaign for the French presidential election concluded, setting the stage for the first round of voting. Candidates made their final appeals to voters. source: bbc.com
24 Apr Marine Le Pen steps aside as National Front leader to focus on presidential campaign: On April 24, 2017, Marine Le Pen announced she was temporarily stepping down as president of the National Front party to concentrate on her presidential candidacy. She stated, "I am no longer the president of the National Front. I am the candidate for the French presidency." source: thelocal.fr
27 Apr Protests in Macedonian Parliament: Protesters stormed the Macedonian parliament to demonstrate against the election of Talat Xhaferi, an ethnic Albanian, as the Speaker of the Assembly, highlighting ethnic tensions.
28 Apr Iranian Presidential Election Debate: The first six-man live televised debate for the 2017 Iranian presidential election was held, focusing primarily on social issues and providing insights into the country's political discourse.
30 Apr Matteo Renzi Reclaims Democratic Party Leadership: Former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi successfully retook the position of Secretary of the Democratic Party after resigning in February, following an open primary election.
02 May French Election Controversy: Marine Le Pen, the far-right presidential candidate, faced accusations of plagiarizing François Fillon's speech during the 2017 French presidential election campaign.
03 May UK General Election 2017: EU Influence Accusation: Conservative politician Theresa May accused European Union officials of attempting to influence the upcoming United Kingdom general election, raising tensions between the UK and EU during the Brexit period.
04 May United Kingdom Local Elections 2017: British citizens participated in local elections, exercising their democratic right to vote in municipal and regional contests across the United Kingdom.
05 May Macron Campaign Document Leak: Files allegedly from Emmanuel Macron's presidential campaign were posted online. Campaign officials claimed the documents contained a mix of genuine and fake information, drawing parallels to the 2016 US Presidential Election hacking.
06 May French Electoral Commission blocks Macron email leak: On May 6, 2017, the French Electoral Commission intervened to prevent the dissemination of leaked emails from Emmanuel Macron's presidential campaign. The commission ordered media outlets to refrain from publishing the documents, citing concerns over the integrity of the election process. The leak occurred just days before the presidential election, raising questions about potential interference. source: dw.com
07 May French Presidential Election: On May 7, 2017, Emmanuel Macron was elected as the President of France, defeating Marine Le Pen in the presidential runoff. Macron's victory marked a significant shift in French politics, as he became the youngest president in French history at the age of 39. His centrist platform focused on pro-European Union policies and economic reforms. source: dw.com
08 May Sally Yates testifies on Russian election interference: On May 8, 2017, former U.S. Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee regarding Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Yates discussed the intelligence community's assessment of Russian activities and the actions taken by the Department of Justice in response. Her testimony was part of ongoing congressional investigations into the matter. source: npr.org
09 May Moon Jae-in wins South Korean presidential election: Moon Jae-in, the candidate from the Democratic Party, won the South Korean presidential election held on May 9, 2017. His victory marked a significant political shift in the country following the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye. Moon's campaign focused on reform and engagement with North Korea. source: bbc.com
10 May Kosovo Parliament Removes Prime Minister: The Parliament Assembly of Kosovo voted in a motion of no confidence to remove Prime Minister Isa Mustafa's government from office, triggering a snap election scheduled for the following month.
11 May Trump establishes Election Integrity Commission: On May 11, 2017, President Trump signed an executive order to establish the Election Integrity Commission. The commission was tasked with investigating allegations of voter fraud in the 2016 election. This move was met with criticism from various groups who argued it could lead to voter suppression. source: nytimes.com
12 May FBI investigation into Russian election interference: On May 12, 2017, the FBI was actively investigating Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. This investigation included examining potential connections between the Trump campaign and Russian officials. source: nytimes.com
14 May Emmanuel Macron becomes President of France: On May 14, 2017, Emmanuel Macron was officially inaugurated as the President of France after winning the election. His presidency marked a significant shift in French politics, emphasizing pro-European Union policies. source: bbc.com
16 May Iranian Presidential Election Developments: Eshaq Jahangiri withdrew his candidacy in the 2017 Iranian presidential election and urged his supporters to vote for incumbent president Hassan Rouhani.
17 May Robert Mueller appointed Special Counsel in Russia investigation: On May 17, 2017, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein appointed former FBI Director Robert Mueller as Special Counsel to oversee the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election and potential collusion with the Trump campaign. source: nytimes.com
18 May Iranian presidential election campaigning concludes: On May 18, 2017, campaigning for Iran's presidential election concluded, with incumbent President Hassan Rouhani and challenger Ebrahim Raisi as the main contenders. The election was scheduled for May 19, 2017. source: aljazeera.com
19 May California Independence Movement Continues: California independence advocates submitted their second formal bid for a 2018 ballot measure, pushing for potential secession from the United States.
22 May Michael Flynn invokes Fifth Amendment: Former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn invoked the Fifth Amendment during a Senate investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. This decision raised questions about his potential involvement and the ongoing investigation's implications. source: washingtonpost.com
25 May Jared Kushner focus of FBI Russian interference investigation: Jared Kushner, senior advisor to President Trump, was identified as a key figure in the FBI's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. The investigation examined Kushner's contacts with Russian officials and his role in the Trump campaign. source: nytimes.com
26 May Greg Gianforte Wins Montana House Seat Despite Assault Charge: Republican Greg Gianforte won the Montana House special election on May 25, 2017, despite being charged with assaulting a reporter the day before the vote. He defeated Democrat Rob Quist and acknowledged his mistake in his victory speech, emphasizing personal accountability.
30 May Netherlands Approves EU-Ukraine Association Agreement: The Dutch Senate approved the European Union's Association Agreement with Ukraine, potentially clearing the way for ratification in July. This decision came after a previous non-binding referendum where Dutch voters had opposed the agreement.
31 May Iranian presidential election 2017: On May 31, 2017, Iran held its presidential election, with incumbent President Hassan Rouhani winning re-election. The election was seen as a referendum on the 2015 nuclear deal and Rouhani's economic policies. source: aljazeera.com
02 Jun UN Security Council Election 2017: Election to the United Nations Security Council for Equatorial Guinea, Ivory Coast, Kuwait, and Peru for a two-year term.
03 Jun Maltese General Election: Malta held a snap election with Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and his Labour Party facing off against Simon Busuttil's Forza Nazzjonali. The election took place amid significant corruption allegations against Muscat and his associates.
04 Jun James Comey congressional testimony: Former FBI Director James Comey testified before the Senate Intelligence Committee, discussing the FBI's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and his interactions with President Trump.
05 Jun NSA leak reveals Russian interference in U.S. elections: On June 5, 2017, reports emerged detailing a leak from the NSA that indicated Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. The leak raised significant concerns about cybersecurity and election integrity in the United States. source: nytimes.com
07 Jun Christopher A. Wray nominated as FBI Director: On June 7, 2017, President Donald Trump nominated Christopher A. Wray to be the next FBI Director. Wray's nomination came amid ongoing investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 election. source: nytimes.com
08 Jun Comey testifies on Russian election interference: Former FBI Director James Comey testified before the Senate Intelligence Committee, confirming Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election and expressing confidence that Special Counsel Robert Mueller would investigate potential obstruction of justice by President Trump. source: time.com
09 Jun UK general election results announced: The results of the UK general election held on June 8, 2017, were announced on June 9, 2017, leading to political reshuffling in the UK government. source: bbc.com
10 Jun UK political reshuffling after election: Following the UK general election on June 8, 2017, political reshuffling occurred within the UK government. source: bbc.com
11 Jun Puerto Rico Statehood Referendum: On June 11, 2017, Puerto Rico held a non-binding referendum where 97% of voters favored statehood, though turnout was only 23% due to a boycott by opposition parties. source: kpbs.org
12 Jun Kosovo Parliamentary Elections: The Democratic Party of Kosovo won the largest number of votes, positioning former rebel leader Ramush Haradinaj to potentially form a new government.
16 Jun US Senate sanctions Russia and Iran: On June 16, 2017, the U.S. Senate passed a bill imposing new sanctions on Russia and Iran, targeting sectors such as defense, intelligence, and energy. The legislation aimed to penalize Russia for alleged interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election and to address Iran's ballistic missile program. source: reuters.com
18 Jun French legislative election results: In the second round of France's legislative elections, President Emmanuel Macron's party, La République en Marche! (LREM), secured an absolute majority with 43.06% of the vote, winning 306 out of 577 seats in the National Assembly. Its ally, the Democratic Movement (MoDem), obtained 6.06% of the vote and 42 seats. Traditional parties, including the Republicans and the Socialist Party, suffered significant losses. source: dw.com
21 Jun Georgia Special House Election: Republican Karen Handel won Georgia's special House election, defeating Democrat Jon Ossoff in what was the most expensive House race in history.
25 Jun Albanian Parliamentary Elections: Albanian voters participated in a crucial election determining the country's European Union candidacy. Both the Socialist Party and Democratic Party sought to win a parliamentary majority. Due to Eid al-Fitr celebrations, voting was extended by one hour, with temperatures reaching 39°C (102°F).
26 Jun Mongolian Presidential Election: Mongolia held its presidential election, with Battulga Khatmaa of the Democratic Party winning a plurality but failing to secure an outright majority, necessitating a second round of voting.
01 Jul Carrie Lam sworn in as Hong Kong's Chief Executive: Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor was sworn in as Hong Kong's Chief Executive on July 1, 2017, becoming the first woman to hold the position. The ceremony, marking the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to Chinese sovereignty, was attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping. Lam had been elected in March 2017, receiving 777 votes from the 1,194-member Election Committee. source: britannica.com
07 Jul Mongolian Presidential Election: Battulga Khaltmaa of the opposition Democratic Party was elected President of Mongolia, defeating former Prime Minister Miyeegombyn Enkhbold in a competitive second-round election.
09 Jul Trump-Putin cybersecurity discussion: U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed cybersecurity during their meeting at the G20 summit. The conversation aimed to address concerns over election interference and cyber threats. source: reuters.com
10 Jul Mongolian Presidential Election: Battulga Khaltmaa was sworn in as the new President of Mongolia after winning the second round of presidential elections on July 7, 2017.
11 Jul Trump-Russia investigation developments: On July 11, 2017, significant developments occurred in the Trump-Russia investigation, including testimonies and new evidence being presented. This investigation focused on potential collusion between the Trump campaign and Russian officials during the 2016 election. source: nytimes.com
14 Jul White House Email Controversy: The White House released unredacted emails related to the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity, sparking immediate privacy concerns and public backlash due to the sensitive nature of the information.
16 Jul Republic of the Congo Parliamentary Election: Citizens of the Republic of the Congo participated in the first round of elections for members of the National Assembly, representing an important democratic process in the country's political landscape.
17 Jul Violence During Venezuelan Opposition Referendum: During a symbolic referendum challenging President Nicolas Maduro's constitutional reform plans, a woman was killed and four others wounded, reflecting the intense political tensions in Venezuela.
18 Jul Australian Senator Resigns Due to Dual Citizenship: Larissa Waters, a Canadian-born Australian senator, resigned after discovering her dual citizenship, which rendered her election illegal under section 44. This followed a similar resignation by Scott Ludlam four days earlier due to New Zealand citizenship.
20 Jul Ram Nath Kovind Wins Indian Presidential Election: Ram Nath Kovind secured victory in the Indian presidential election by winning over two-thirds of the total electoral college votes, marking a significant moment in India's democratic process.
22 Jul East Timor Parliamentary Elections: Citizens of East Timor went to the polls to elect members of their National Parliament, participating in a crucial democratic process for the young nation.
01 Aug Jacinda Ardern Becomes Labour Party Leader: Jacinda Ardern was elected as the new leader of New Zealand's Labour Party after Andrew Little resigned due to poor poll results ahead of the September 23 elections, marking a significant moment in the country's political landscape.
02 Aug US imposes sanctions on Russia: On August 2, 2017, the United States announced new sanctions against Russia, targeting individuals and entities involved in election interference and other malign activities. This move was part of a broader strategy to hold Russia accountable. source: reuters.com
03 Aug Mueller launches grand jury investigation into Russian election interference: On August 3, 2017, Special Counsel Robert Mueller announced the launch of a grand jury investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. This marked a significant step in the ongoing inquiry. source: nytimes.com
04 Aug Rwandan Presidential Election: On August 4, 2017, Rwanda held its presidential election, with incumbent President Paul Kagame re-elected to a third seven-year term, reportedly receiving 98.79% of the vote. The election was marked by allegations of limited political freedom and suppression of opposition. source: hrw.org
05 Aug Mercosur suspends Venezuela indefinitely over democratic concerns: On August 5, 2017, Mercosur suspended Venezuela indefinitely due to concerns over the 'rupture of the democratic order' following the election of a National Constituent Assembly. The suspension aimed to pressure Venezuela to restore democratic norms. source: mercosur.int
07 Aug Mauritania Votes to Disband Senate: In a significant constitutional referendum, Mauritanians voted to abolish the Senate. With 53.73% voting in favor and an overwhelming 85% support, this marks a major political restructuring in the country's governance system.
08 Aug Kenyan Election Results: President Uhuru Kenyatta and the Jubilee Party of Kenya were re-elected, sparking controversy as opposition leader Raila Odinga contested the election results.
17 Aug Trump Dissolves Advisory Councils: President Donald Trump abruptly ended his Presidential Advisory Council on Infrastructure, following the dissolution of the American Manufacturing Council and Strategic and Policy Forum, without providing an explanation.
20 Aug Iran's Presidential Cabinet Appointments: In a significant political development, 16 out of 17 Cabinet members nominated by President Hassan Rouhani were approved by Iranian Members of Parliament, signaling political stability and continuity in Iran's governance.
23 Aug Angola's Legislative Election: Angola held legislative elections to select 220 National Assembly members, marking a significant political transition following Jose Eduardo dos Santos' retirement after nearly four decades of leadership.
25 Aug Trump Pardons Joe Arpaio: U.S. President Donald Trump granted a presidential pardon to Joe Arpaio, former sheriff of Maricopa County, Arizona, who had been convicted of contempt of court for racial profiling. This controversial pardon sparked significant debate about presidential powers and racial justice.
01 Sep New Zealand Election Tightens: Jacinda Ardern's Labour Party gains momentum, becoming tied with Bill English's National Party in the race for Prime Minister of New Zealand.
06 Sep Facebook's Russian Ad Controversy: On September 6, 2017, Facebook disclosed that approximately 500 accounts, likely originating from Russia, had purchased $100,000 worth of ads on the platform between June 2015 and May 2017. These ads, linked to about 470 inauthentic accounts and pages, focused on divisive social and political issues without explicitly mentioning the election or presidential candidates. Facebook reported this information to U.S. authorities investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election. source: time.com
07 Sep Catalonia Independence Referendum Tensions: On September 7, 2017, tensions escalated in Catalonia as the regional government proceeded with plans to hold an independence referendum on October 1, 2017, despite opposition from the Spanish government. The Spanish authorities had declared the referendum illegal, leading to confrontations and heightened political unrest in the region. source: en.wikipedia.org
12 Sep Halimah Yacob Becomes Singapore's First Female President: Halimah Yacob was elected as Singapore's first woman president, running unopposed in the 2017 presidential election, marking a significant milestone for gender representation in Singaporean politics.
14 Sep California Considers Early Presidential Primary: California planned to schedule its primary elections earlier, potentially in March or on Super Tuesday, aiming to increase its political influence and provide a platform for local candidates like Kamala Harris and Eric Garcetti.
16 Sep Catalan independence referendum preparations: Preparations for the Catalan independence referendum intensified on September 16, 2017, as the regional government faced opposition from the Spanish government. The referendum was set for October 1, 2017, amid significant political tension. source: theguardian.com
17 Sep Japanese Election Preparation: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was expected to disband the House of Representatives on September 28th, 2017, in preparation for new general elections.
20 Sep Spanish Police Raid Catalan Government: Spanish police conducted raids on Catalan government buildings and arrested Catalan officials in an attempt to prevent a prohibited independence referendum. Catalan President Carles Puigdemont declared that the Spanish state had effectively intervened in Catalonia's government and established emergency rule.
21 Sep Facebook reveals Russian election interference ads: On September 21, 2017, Facebook disclosed that it had found ads linked to Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. This revelation raised concerns about foreign influence in American politics. source: nytimes.com
22 Sep Aruban General Elections Shift Political Landscape: Aruba held parliamentary elections, with the ruling Aruban People's Party losing 4 of its 13 seats. Prime Minister Mike Eman announced his resignation as party leader, signaling a potential political transformation in the Caribbean nation.
23 Sep New Zealand General Election: New Zealand held a general election to elect members of the House of Representatives. The election resulted in a complex political landscape, with the National Party winning a plurality but not a majority, and the Labour Party making significant gains under Jacinda Ardern's leadership.
24 Sep German federal election 2017: On September 24, 2017, Germany held its federal election, resulting in a victory for Chancellor Angela Merkel's party. source: aljazeera.com
25 Sep Iraqi Kurdistan independence referendum: On September 25, 2017, the Iraqi Kurdistan region held an independence referendum, seeking to establish a separate Kurdish state. source: aljazeera.com
26 Sep Iraqi Kurdistan independence referendum held: On September 26, 2017, the Iraqi Kurdistan region held a referendum on independence, with a significant majority voting in favor. The move was met with opposition from the Iraqi central government and neighboring countries, raising tensions in the region. source: bbc.com
28 Sep Japanese General Election Preparation: Prime Minister Shinzo Abe dissolved the lower house of Parliament in preparation for the upcoming October 22 elections, a significant political maneuver in Japan's democratic process.
29 Sep UKIP Leadership Change: Henry Bolton was elected as the new leader of the UK Independence Party (UKIP), succeeding Paul Nuttall. The leadership transition came in the aftermath of the party's poor performance in recent general elections, signaling potential strategic shifts within the political organization.
01 Oct Catalonia Independence Referendum: On October 1, 2017, Catalonia held an independence referendum, which was declared illegal by the Spanish government. The event led to significant political tensions and debates over Catalonia's future within Spain. source: Wikipedia (day-month pages)
03 Oct Catalonia General Strike: A general strike took place in Catalonia on October 3, 2017, in response to the violent crackdown on the independence referendum held on October 1. The strike was aimed at protesting police violence and advocating for Catalan independence. source: bbc.com
05 Oct Senate Intelligence Panel Confirms Russian Election Interference: On October 5, 2017, the Senate Intelligence Committee confirmed that Russia interfered in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. This confirmation added to the ongoing investigations into foreign influence in American politics. source: nytimes.com
14 Oct Spanish Government's Intervention in Catalonia: The Spanish government announced its intention to impose direct rule on Catalonia following the region's controversial independence referendum, escalating tensions between the autonomous region and the central government.
15 Oct Kyrgyzstan Presidential Election: Kyrgyzstan held a historic presidential election resulting in Sooronbay Jeenbekov becoming president. This election was particularly significant as it marked the first peaceful transfer of presidential power in the country's history, with incumbent Almazbek Atambayev constitutionally barred from seeking another term.
16 Oct Somali protests and Iraqi-Kurdish conflict: On October 16, 2017, protests erupted in Somalia against the government's handling of the drought crisis. Concurrently, tensions escalated in Iraq as Kurdish forces faced backlash following their independence referendum. These events highlighted ongoing regional instability. source: reuters.com
18 Oct Controversy Over Trump's Condolence Call: US Congresswoman Frederica Wilson criticized President Donald Trump for allegedly telling the bereaved family of Sgt. La David Johnson that 'he knew what he was signing up for, but I guess it hurts anyway,' sparking a public dispute about presidential empathy.
20 Oct Czech parliamentary elections held: Parliamentary elections were held in the Czech Republic on October 20 and 21, 2017, resulting in the populist party ANO winning 29.6% of the vote and 78 seats in the Chamber of Deputies. The Civic Democratic Party (ODS) secured 11.3% and 25 seats, while the Czech Pirate Party and Freedom and Direct Democracy each obtained over 10% and 22 seats. This marked the first time neither the Czech Social Democratic Party (ČSSD) nor ODS won the parliamentary election. source: en.wikipedia.org
21 Oct Czech Legislative Election: In the 2017 Czech legislative election, Andrej Babis' ANO movement won a substantial plurality of seats in the Chamber of Deputies but failed to secure a majority. The Civic Democratic Party and Czech Pirate Party also emerged as significant political forces.
22 Oct Italian Regional Autonomy Referendums: Two Italian regions, Lombardy and Veneto, simultaneously conducted non-binding referendums to assess citizens' desire for greater regional autonomy, reflecting ongoing discussions about decentralization in Italy.
24 Oct Jeff Flake Announces Senate Retirement: Republican Senator Jeff Flake from Arizona, a vocal critic of the Trump administration, announced he would not seek re-election in 2018, reflecting internal Republican Party tensions.
26 Oct Netherlands forms new government: On October 26, 2017, the Netherlands announced the formation of a new coalition government. The coalition, led by Prime Minister Mark Rutte, included the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA), and the Democrats 66 (D66) party, following months of negotiations after the general election. source: reuters.com
27 Oct Mueller Investigation First Charges Approved: On October 27, 2017, special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election led to the first charges being approved, marking a significant development in the probe. source: cnbc.com
28 Oct Icelandic parliamentary elections 2017: On October 28, 2017, Iceland held its parliamentary elections. The election results led to the formation of a new government, with the Independence Party maintaining its position as the largest party in the Althing, Iceland's parliament. source: reuters.com
29 Oct Massoud Barzani to Resign as Kurdistan Region President: Massoud Barzani, who has served as president of Kurdistan Region, Iraq, since 2005, announced his resignation effective after November 1. This development necessitates a redistribution of presidential powers in the Kurdistan parliament.
30 Oct Manafort and Gates surrender in Russia investigation: On October 30, 2017, Paul Manafort and Rick Gates surrendered to federal authorities as part of the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. This marked a significant development in the ongoing inquiry led by Special Counsel Robert Mueller. source: nytimes.com
31 Oct US Senate investigates Russian election interference: On October 31, 2017, the U.S. Senate continued its investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. This inquiry aimed to uncover the extent of foreign influence on American democracy. source: nytimes.com
01 Nov Shinzo Abe Re-elected as Japanese Prime Minister: Following the October 22, 2017 general election, Shinzo Abe was officially re-elected as Prime Minister of Japan, continuing his leadership of the country.
04 Nov 2017 Slovakian Regional Elections: In the Banska Bystrica Region, Marian Kotleba defeated Jan Lunter. The election results saw the Direction - Social Democracy party losing four regions to center-right opposition candidates, indicating a potential political shift.
05 Nov Virginia Gubernatorial Election: The 2017 Virginia gubernatorial election was won by Democrat Ralph Northam, marking a significant political moment in the state's electoral landscape.
07 Nov 2017 US Gubernatorial and Legislative Elections: Democrats made significant gains in state-level elections, with Ralph Northam winning Virginia's gubernatorial race and Philip Murphy winning in New Jersey. In the Virginia House of Delegates, Democrats won 15 seats while Republicans lost 18.
08 Nov Democrats win gubernatorial races: On November 8, 2017, Democrats secured significant victories in gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey. These wins were seen as a referendum on President Trump's administration and a boost for the Democratic Party ahead of the 2018 midterm elections. source: nytimes.com
12 Nov Equatorial Guinea Legislative Election: During the 2017 legislative elections in Equatorial Guinea, the government implemented strict control measures, including internet blockage and banning private vehicles. Observers predicted a victory for the Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea (DPEG).
13 Nov Somaliland Presidential Election: Voters in Somaliland participated in their presidential election, exercising their democratic right to choose national leadership.
16 Nov Tonga's 2017 general elections held: On November 16, 2017, Tonga held its general elections to elect 17 of the 26 seats in the Legislative Assembly. The Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands, led by Prime Minister ʻAkilisi Pōhiva, secured 14 seats, allowing them to form a government without needing support from nobles or independents. The elections were prompted by the dissolution of the Assembly by King Tupou VI on August 25, 2017. source: en.wikipedia.org
17 Nov First Female Prime Minister of Aruba: Evelyn Wever Croes made history by being elected as the first female Prime Minister of Aruba following the September 2017 general elections, marking a significant milestone for gender representation in Caribbean politics.
19 Nov 2017 Chilean General Election: Chileans participated in a significant democratic process, voting to elect a new president and fill positions in the Senate, Chamber of Deputies, and regional boards. Former President Sebastian Pinera won the primary vote and was set to face Socialist candidate Alejandro Guillier in a runoff.
25 Nov Queensland State Election 2017: In the Queensland state election, the Australian Labor Party was leading with three-quarters of votes counted. Pauline Hanson's One Nation party was expected to win only one seat, potentially polling better than the initial 20 percent prediction. Official results were anticipated to take several days to be finalized.
26 Nov Honduran general election: Honduras held its general election on November 26, 2017, amidst political tensions and allegations of electoral fraud. The election was marked by protests and a contentious atmosphere as citizens awaited the results. source: reuters.com
03 Dec Ukrainian Impeachment Protests: Thousands of opposition supporters demonstrated in central Kiev, demanding parliamentary legislation for presidential impeachment amid ongoing Ukrainian political tensions.
07 Dec Nepal's Historic Legislative Election: Nepal conducted the second round of a historic legislative election, with a remarkable 67% voter turnout, representing a significant increase from the first round.
10 Dec Venezuelan election controversy: On December 10, 2017, Venezuela faced significant controversy surrounding its electoral processes, with accusations of fraud and manipulation in the recent elections. The situation raised concerns about the legitimacy of the government and its adherence to democratic principles. source: bbc.com
12 Dec Alabama Senate special election: On December 12, 2017, Alabama held a special election for the U.S. Senate seat previously held by Jeff Sessions. Democrat Doug Jones won the election, becoming the first Democrat to hold the seat in over 25 years, defeating Republican Roy Moore amid significant national attention and controversy. source: nytimes.com
16 Dec ANC Leadership Election in South Africa: Thousands of African National Congress delegates gathered in Johannesburg to elect a new party leader who could potentially replace President Jacob Zuma in 2019.
17 Dec Chilean Presidential Election 2017: Sebastian Pinera was elected as the new President of Chile, defeating Alejandro Guillier in a runoff election, marking a significant political transition in the country.
22 Dec Catalan Regional Elections: The Catalan regional elections saw pro-independence parties maintain their absolute majority, with the Unionist Citizens party securing the most seats. The election witnessed a record voter turnout of 83%, reflecting high political engagement despite uncertain governmental formation.
25 Dec Navalny barred from Russian presidential election: On December 25, 2017, Russian authorities officially barred opposition leader Alexei Navalny from running in the presidential election scheduled for March 2018. This decision was widely criticized as an attempt to suppress dissent and limit political competition in Russia. source: theguardian.com
26 Dec George Weah elected president of Liberia: On December 26, 2017, George Weah was declared the winner of Liberia's presidential election, marking a significant political shift in the country. Weah, a former football star, won against incumbent Vice President Joseph Boakai. source: bbc.com
28 Dec George Weah wins Liberian presidential election: Former football star George Weah won Liberia's presidential run-off election with 61.5% of the vote, defeating Vice President Joseph Boakai. This marked Liberia's first democratic transition since 1944. source: aljazeera.com

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