2018 Elections & Political Transitions Events — Verified Historical Highlights

2018 Elections & Political Transitions Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to

01 Jan Swiss Presidential Election: Alain Berset, aged 45, is elected President of the Swiss Confederation, becoming the youngest president since 1934.
03 Jan Trump Disbands Voter Fraud Commission: President Donald Trump dissolved the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity, citing high litigation costs from states objecting to voter information requests.
14 Jan Guatemala Presidential Report and Political Tensions: Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales delivered his second government report amid ongoing corruption accusations and political protests. Alvaro Arzu Escobar, son of a former president, was elected President of Congress, adding to the political complexity.
22 Jan Historic Liberian Presidential Transition: George Weah was elected President of Liberia, with Jewel Taylor as Vice President, marking the first peaceful transition between two Liberian presidents in 74 years and potentially signaling a new era of political stability.
27 Jan Miloš Zeman re-elected as President of the Czech Republic: Incumbent President Miloš Zeman won the Czech presidential runoff election, securing 51.36% of the vote against Jiří Drahoš, who received 48.63%. The election saw a voter turnout of 66.6%, the highest since 1998. source: robert-schuman.eu
28 Jan Finnish Presidential Election 2018: Incumbent Sauli Niinisto achieved an unprecedented first-round victory in the Finnish presidential election, securing 62.7 percent of the votes, a remarkable demonstration of public support.
29 Jan Egyptian presidential election controversy: Egypt's presidential election faced controversy as incumbent President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi secured a second term amid allegations of voter suppression and intimidation. The election was criticized for lacking genuine political competition. source: aljazeera.com
30 Jan Raila Odinga's 'People's President' Ceremony: Opposition leader Raila Odinga holds a symbolic swearing-in ceremony in Nairobi, proclaiming himself the 'People's President' in the aftermath of Kenya's contentious 2017 general election, challenging the official election results.
04 Feb Costa Rican Presidential Election: Costa Rica held its presidential election amid a gay rights controversy, with Fabricio Alvarado Muniz (National Restoration Party) and Carlos Alvarado Quesada (Citizen Action Party) advancing to a runoff.
11 Feb Sri Lankan Local Elections: In the 2018 Sri Lankan Local Elections, the opposition SLPP (Rajapaksa) party secured a significant victory, winning 44.65% of the vote. A notable milestone was Rosy Senanayake becoming the first female mayor of the capital, representing the UNP party.
13 Feb ANC requests Zuma's resignation: On February 13, 2018, the African National Congress (ANC) formally requested South African President Jacob Zuma to resign, giving him a 48-hour deadline. This decision followed ongoing corruption scandals and the election of Cyril Ramaphosa as the ANC's leader in December. Zuma, who had been in power since 2009, faced mounting pressure due to numerous allegations of corruption and mismanagement. source: time.com
14 Feb Morgan Tsvangirai's Death: Morgan Tsvangirai, a prominent opposition leader in Zimbabwe, passed away at age 65 from colon cancer, just months before the 2018 presidential election. His death significantly impacted Zimbabwe's political landscape.
16 Feb Russian Election Interference Investigation: On February 16, 2018, Special Counsel Robert Mueller's team indicted 13 Russian nationals and three Russian entities for interfering in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. The indictment detailed activities such as creating fake social media accounts, purchasing fraudulent advertisements, and organizing political rallies to influence public opinion in favor of Donald Trump and against Hillary Clinton. source: pbs.org
22 Feb Alexei Navalny detained before Russian presidential election: Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was detained by authorities ahead of the presidential election, a move widely seen as an attempt to suppress political dissent and limit his participation in the electoral process. source: cnbc.com
27 Feb Trump announces 2020 presidential campaign launch: On February 27, 2018, U.S. President Donald Trump announced his intention to run for re-election in the 2020 presidential race, becoming the first incumbent president since 1992 to do so. source: cbsnews.com
28 Feb Hope Hicks resigns from White House: Hope Hicks, the White House Communications Director under President Donald Trump, resigned on February 28, 2018, following her testimony before the House Intelligence Committee regarding Russian interference in the 2016 election. source: cbsnews.com
04 Mar Italian General Election: Italians went to the polls to elect 630 members of the Chamber of Deputies and 315 senators. The election resulted in no clear winner, with the populist Five Star Movement led by Luigi Di Maio receiving the most votes at 32%, reflecting the complex political landscape of Italy.
05 Mar Italy's Political Instability After 2018 Election: The Italian general election resulted in significant political uncertainty, with the populist Five Star Movement winning 32% of the vote. Former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi resigned as Democratic Party Secretary, reflecting the complex political landscape.
08 Mar Democratic Republic of Congo Election Announcement: Prime Minister Bruno Tshibala announced that the long-delayed general election, postponed multiple times since December 2016, would finally take place in December 2018.
09 Mar China Removes Presidential Term Limits: On March 9, 2018, China's National People's Congress voted to remove presidential term limits, allowing Xi Jinping to potentially remain in power indefinitely. This move was seen as a significant shift in China's political landscape. source: bbc.com
11 Mar China Removes Presidential Term Limits: On March 11, 2018, the Chinese government confirmed the removal of presidential term limits, a decision that had significant implications for the country's political future. This change was part of a broader constitutional amendment. source: bbc.com
15 Mar Trump Administration Sanctions Russian Nationals: On March 15, 2018, the U.S. Department of the Treasury imposed sanctions on 19 Russian nationals and five entities in response to Russia's interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election and other malign activities. The sanctions targeted individuals associated with the Internet Research Agency, a Russian organization accused of conducting online influence operations, as well as Russian government officials and entities involved in cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns. source: home.treasury.gov
17 Mar Australian electoral developments: Significant developments occurred in Australian electoral politics, including discussions on electoral reforms and upcoming elections. These changes are expected to impact the political landscape in the country. source: theguardian.com
18 Mar Putin Secures Fourth Presidential Term: Vladimir Putin was re-elected as Russian President with a commanding 76% of the vote, extending his leadership and solidifying his long-standing political dominance in Russia.
24 Mar Terrorist bombing in Alexandria, Egypt: A car bomb targeting Alexandria's security chief, Major General Mostafa al-Nemr, exploded on March 24, 2018, killing two policemen and injuring four others. The attack occurred two days before Egypt's presidential election. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the bombing. source: aljazeera.com
25 Mar Al-Shabab Car Bombing in Mogadishu: A car bomb claimed by Al-Shabab killed five people, including the driver, and wounded approximately ten others. The attack targeted areas near Somalia's Parliament, Interior Ministry, and Presidential Palace in Mogadishu.
26 Mar Egyptian Presidential Election 2018: Egyptian voters participated in the presidential election, with incumbent President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi facing one opponent, reflecting the country's political landscape.
27 Mar 2018 Kemerovo fire presidential response: Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the scene of the Kemerovo shopping mall fire, expressing outrage over the preventable tragedy and attributing it to "criminal negligence." He laid flowers at a makeshift memorial and met with local officials to discuss the incident. Putin's visit underscored the severity of the disaster and the need for accountability. source: time.com
29 Mar Egyptian Presidential Election: Preliminary state media reports indicated that incumbent President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi won approximately 90% of the vote, with a voter turnout of 41%, raising questions about the election's democratic process.
01 Apr Costa Rica Presidential Election with LGBTQ+ Significance: Carlos Alvarado, a pro-same-sex marriage candidate, defeated Fabricio Alvarado from the National Restoration Party in the second round of voting, signaling potential progressive social changes.
02 Apr Egyptian Presidential Election Results: Incumbent President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi was declared the winner of the 2018 Egyptian presidential election with 97% of votes cast, on a 41% voter turnout, reinforcing his political dominance.
06 Apr US Sanctions Against Russian Entities: The United States imposed sanctions on twelve Russian-owned companies, an arms exporter, and a bank. The sanctions were motivated by multiple factors, including alleged Russian interference in the 2016 US elections and military engagements in Ukraine and Syria, signaling continued geopolitical tensions.
08 Apr Hungarian parliamentary election: On April 8, 2018, Hungary held parliamentary elections, resulting in a significant victory for Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and his Fidesz party. The election was marked by debates over immigration and national sovereignty, reflecting broader trends in European politics. source: reuters.com
10 Apr Hungarian Media Shutdown in Response to Election: Hungarian businessman Lajos Simicska dramatically shut down Magyar Nemzet, an 80-year-old daily newspaper, and Lánchíd Rádió in protest after Prime Minister Viktor Orbán secured a third consecutive parliamentary supermajority. This action highlighted the deep political rift between Simicska, a former close ally, and Orbán after their relationship deteriorated in 2015.
11 Apr Paul Ryan announces retirement from Congress: On April 11, 2018, U.S. Speaker of the House Paul Ryan announced he would not seek re-election in the upcoming midterm elections, stating he had "achieved what I came here to do." source: npr.org
13 Apr Pro-EU Supporters Demand Brexit Referendum: Supporters from pro-European organizations including Open Britain, Britain for Europe, and the European Movement held demonstrations in the United Kingdom, calling for a referendum on the terms of Britain's planned withdrawal from the European Union.
22 Apr Paraguayan Presidential Election: Mario Abdo Benitez from the Colorado Party was elected President of Paraguay in the 2018 general elections.
06 May Lebanese parliamentary elections: On May 6, 2018, Lebanon held its first parliamentary elections in nine years. The elections were marked by a low voter turnout and were seen as a test for the country's political stability. source: aljazeera.com
09 May Malaysian general election historic defeat: On May 9, 2018, Malaysia held a general election resulting in a historic defeat for the ruling party, Barisan Nasional, ending its 61-year rule. This election was marked by significant voter turnout and political change. source: bbc.com
10 May Malaysia's political transition: On May 10, 2018, Malaysia's political landscape underwent a significant transition following the general election. The new government began implementing reforms and addressing issues raised during the campaign. source: bbc.com
15 May Karnataka State Assembly Elections: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), India's ruling party, won a plurality in the Karnataka state assembly elections, marking a significant political development in the state.
17 May Catalonia's new president takes office: Quim Torra was sworn in as the new president of Catalonia on May 17, 2018, following a prolonged political crisis in the region. His election came after a series of legal and political challenges faced by his predecessors. source: bbc.com
19 May Iraqi Parliamentary Elections Results: The Iraqi electoral commission announced the results of the May 12 parliamentary elections. Muqtada al-Sadr's list emerged as the winner, with Hadi al-Amiri's and Haider al-Abadi's groups securing the second-highest number of seats, reflecting the complex political landscape of post-conflict Iraq.
20 May Venezuela presidential election: Venezuela held a presidential election on May 20, 2018, amid widespread criticism and allegations of fraud. The election was marked by a boycott from opposition parties and international condemnation. source: bbc.com
22 May Zimbabwe Applies to Rejoin Commonwealth: Zimbabwe submitted an application to rejoin the Commonwealth of Nations, 15 years after being expelled following a disputed election in 2003, signaling potential diplomatic rehabilitation.
27 May Italian government formation collapse: On May 27, 2018, Italy's President Sergio Mattarella vetoed the proposed economy minister, Paolo Savona, leading to the collapse of the coalition government formation between the Five Star Movement and the League. The veto triggered a political crisis, resulting in the appointment of a technocratic government and the cancellation of planned elections. source: cbsnews.com
03 Jun 2018 Slovenian Parliamentary Elections: TV Slovenia exit polls indicated that Janez Jansa's anti-immigration Slovenian Democratic Party would win a plurality of votes. The List of Marjan Sarec, led by Kamnik's mayor, was projected to receive 12.6% of the votes.
14 Jun Election Violence in Turkey: During the 2018 Turkish general election campaign, riots broke out in Suruc, Turkey, resulting in three fatalities and eight injuries, highlighting the political tensions in the region.
16 Jun Papua New Guinea Political Crisis: Following post-election riots in Mendi, the government of Papua New Guinea declared a State of Emergency and suspended the government in Southern Highlands Province, highlighting significant political instability.
17 Jun Colombian presidential election 2018: On June 17, 2018, Colombia held its presidential election, resulting in the election of Iván Duque Márquez as president. Duque, a candidate from the right-wing Democratic Center party, won the runoff against Gustavo Petro, a former mayor of Bogotá and candidate from the left-wing Colombia Humana movement. source: en.wikipedia.org
23 Jun Zimbabwe Election Rally Bombing: On June 23, 2018, a grenade exploded at White City Stadium in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, during a ZANU-PF campaign rally attended by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The blast resulted in at least 49 injuries, including Vice-Presidents Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi, and the deaths of two security agents. source: en.wikipedia.org
24 Jun Turkey's Presidential and Parliamentary Election: On June 24, 2018, Turkey held its presidential and parliamentary elections. Incumbent President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was re-elected, and his party, the AKP, maintained a majority in the parliament. source: aljazeera.com
27 Jun Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez defeats Joseph Crowley: In a surprising primary election upset, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez defeated incumbent Congressman Joseph Crowley in New York's 14th congressional district. This victory was seen as a significant moment for progressive politics in the Democratic Party. source: nytimes.com
12 Jul Trump's UK Presidential Visit: US President Donald Trump arrived in the United Kingdom for an official state visit, which was marked by widespread public protests and diplomatic tensions.
13 Jul US DOJ charges Russian intelligence officers: On July 13, 2018, the U.S. Department of Justice announced charges against 12 Russian intelligence officers for their role in the cyberattacks during the 2016 presidential election. This marked a significant step in the investigation into foreign interference in U.S. elections. source: justice.gov
14 Jul DOJ indicts Russian officials for DNC hacking: On July 14, 2018, the U.S. Department of Justice expanded its indictment against Russian officials, detailing their involvement in the hacking of the Democratic National Committee. This indictment was part of a broader investigation into election interference. source: justice.gov
20 Jul People's Party Leadership Election in Spain: The XIX Congress of the People's Party convened to elect a new party leader following the departure of former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy. The leadership contest featured two main candidates: Pablo Casado, the party's deputy secretary of communications, and Soraya Saenz De Santamaria, the former Deputy Prime Minister.
25 Jul Pakistan General Election: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by former cricketer Imran Khan, won the most votes but not an outright majority in a general election marred by violence, including a bombing that killed 31 people. The election represented a significant moment in Pakistan's democratic process.
28 Jul Obama Presidential Center Ground Breaking Delayed: The groundbreaking ceremony for the Barack Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park, Illinois, has been postponed until all federal approvals are completed, with the earliest expected date being in 2019.
29 Jul Mali Presidential Election 2018: Citizens of Mali participated in their presidential election, exercising their democratic right to choose national leadership through a peaceful electoral process.
31 Jul Facebook Removes Russian-Linked Election Interference Accounts: Facebook suspended 32 accounts believed to be involved in attempting to influence the 2018 U.S. midterm elections. At least one account was confirmed to be connected to the Russian-based Internet Research Agency, highlighting ongoing concerns about digital election interference.
01 Aug Zimbabwe election controversy: On August 1, 2018, Zimbabwe's capital, Harare, witnessed violent protests as opposition supporters alleged electoral fraud in the presidential election. Security forces responded with live ammunition, resulting in at least six deaths. The unrest marked the first election since the ousting of long-time leader Robert Mugabe. source: aljazeera.com
03 Aug Zimbabwe's presidential election results: On August 3, 2018, Zimbabwe's Electoral Commission declared incumbent President Emmerson Mnangagwa the winner of the presidential election, securing just over 50% of the vote. The announcement followed the ruling party, ZANU-PF, winning a majority in parliamentary elections held on July 30. source: aljazeera.com
07 Aug Ohio 12th Congressional District Special Election: A special election was held in Ohio's 12th congressional district following Republican Representative Pat Tiberi's resignation. The race featured Troy Balderson (Republican) and Danny O'Connor (Democratic) as the main candidates.
12 Aug Mali Presidential Election: Mali's presidential run-off election was held, with incumbent President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita declared the winner, though the opposition disputed the election results.
14 Aug Kansas Republican Gubernatorial Primary Election: In the 2018 Kansas Republican gubernatorial primary, incumbent Jeff Colyer conceded defeat to challenger Kris Kobach, marking a significant shift in the state's political landscape.
22 Aug Michael Cohen pleads guilty, implicates Trump: Michael Cohen, former personal attorney to Donald Trump, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including campaign finance violations. In his testimony, he implicated Trump in directing illegal payments during the 2016 election campaign. source: washingtonpost.com
24 Aug DRC Election Candidate List Announced: The Democratic Republic of the Congo's electoral committee publishes the approved candidate list for the upcoming general election, notably excluding Jean-Pierre Bemba and two former prime ministers.
26 Aug Colombian Anti-Corruption Referendum: Colombia held its first referendum since the 1991 constitutional amendment, attempting to pass anti-corruption measures. However, the initiative failed due to low voter turnout, reflecting ongoing challenges in political reform.
31 Aug Lula da Silva barred from 2018 Brazilian presidential election: On August 31, 2018, Brazil's Superior Electoral Court ruled that former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was ineligible to run in the upcoming presidential election due to his corruption conviction. source: bbc.com
02 Sep Duterte's First Visit to Israel: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte made a historic first presidential visit to Israel, marking a significant moment in bilateral relations between the two countries.
04 Sep Rahm Emanuel Declines Third Term: Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced he will not seek a third term in the 2019 election, marking a significant shift in the city's political landscape.
06 Sep Jair Bolsonaro Stabbed During Campaign Rally: Brazilian presidential candidate Jair Bolsonaro was critically wounded when a 40-year-old man stabbed him in the abdomen during a campaign rally. The attacker was arrested and described as mentally disturbed, and Bolsonaro was placed in intensive care.
10 Sep Swedish general election results: On September 10, 2018, Sweden held its general elections, resulting in a fragmented parliament. The far-right Sweden Democrats made significant gains, while the ruling Social Democrats lost seats. The election outcome led to complex coalition negotiations and raised questions about the future direction of Swedish politics. source: reuters.com
14 Sep Paul Manafort pleads guilty in Mueller investigation: Paul Manafort, former campaign chairman for Donald Trump, pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges as part of Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. This plea deal included cooperation with the investigation. source: nytimes.com
16 Sep First Local Elections in Syria Since 2011: Syria held its first local elections in government-controlled areas since 2011, marking a significant political development in the ongoing Syrian conflict.
25 Sep Swedish Political Crisis: Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven lost a confidence vote in parliament, potentially triggering a government crisis and new elections.
29 Sep Catalan Independence Movement Protests: Tensions escalated in Barcelona as separatists and police clashed while commemorating the anniversary of the 2017 independence referendum, reflecting ongoing political tensions in the region.
30 Sep Macedonia referendum on country renaming: On September 30, 2018, Macedonia held a referendum to decide on changing the country's name to the Republic of North Macedonia, aiming to resolve a long-standing dispute with Greece. The referendum required a majority vote to pass, but it failed to meet the necessary turnout threshold, leading to political uncertainty regarding the country's future direction. source: dw.com
02 Oct Afghan Parliamentary Election Violence: During the 2018 Afghan Parliamentary Election, a tragic terrorist attack in Nangarhar Province resulted in 13 fatalities and over 30 injuries at an election rally, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in Afghanistan.
05 Oct South Korean presidential corruption conviction: On October 5, 2018, a former South Korean president was convicted of corruption and sentenced to prison. This case highlighted ongoing issues of political corruption in South Korea and the public's demand for accountability. source: bbc.com
06 Oct 2018 Latvian Parliamentary Elections: Latvia held parliamentary elections where two new parties, the New Conservative Party and Social Democratic Party 'Harmony', emerged as significant political forces, replacing the previous governing coalition.
07 Oct Cameroonian Presidential Election: Cameroon held its presidential election, with incumbent President Paul Biya seeking to extend his remarkably long 36-year tenure by winning a seventh term in office.
13 Oct Afghanistan Election Rally Bombing: A motorcycle rigged with explosives was detonated at an election rally in northeastern Afghanistan, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 14 people, including civilians and security personnel. The attack highlights the ongoing security challenges and political instability in the region.
14 Oct Bavarian State Election 2018: Bavarian voters participated in the election for the 180 members of Bavaria's 18th Landtag. The Christian-democratic conservative CSU party experienced significant electoral losses, signaling potential shifts in German regional political dynamics.
20 Oct Wentworth By-Election in Australia: Independent candidate Kerryn Phelps led the vote count for the Wentworth seat, potentially creating a hung parliament and signaling a significant moment in Australian political dynamics.
22 Oct Paul Biya wins seventh term in Cameroon: On October 22, 2018, Paul Biya was declared the winner of the presidential election in Cameroon, securing his seventh term in office. The election was marked by allegations of irregularities and opposition protests. source: bbc.com
24 Oct US Cyber Command confronts Russian election interference: On October 24, 2018, US Cyber Command took action against Russian entities attempting to interfere in the upcoming midterm elections. This marked a significant step in the US government's efforts to protect electoral integrity from foreign influence. source: reuters.com
26 Oct 2018 Irish Presidential Election and Blasphemy Referendum: Irish voters re-elected Michael D. Higgins as President and voted to repeal the constitutional offense of blasphemy. Exit polls indicated victory margins exceeding 30% for both measures.
27 Oct Gabonese Legislative Elections: Gabonese citizens participated in the second round of legislative elections, exercising their democratic right to choose their parliamentary representatives.
28 Oct Hessian state election in Germany: On October 28, 2018, voters in the German state of Hesse participated in a state election. The election was closely watched as it was seen as a test for Chancellor Angela Merkel's government amid rising support for the far-right AfD party. source: bbc.com
04 Nov New Caledonia Votes to Remain Part of France: On November 4, 2018, New Caledonia held a referendum in which the majority voted to remain a French territory, rejecting independence. The vote was seen as a significant moment in the territory's political history. source: bbc.com
06 Nov 2018 United States Midterm Elections: The 2018 United States Midterm Elections were held on November 6, 2018. These elections resulted in a significant shift in Congress, with the Democratic Party gaining control of the House of Representatives while the Republican Party maintained control of the Senate. source: nytimes.com
07 Nov 2018 U.S. Midterm Elections Results: The results of the 2018 U.S. Midterm Elections were officially reported on November 7, 2018. The elections saw a record turnout, with many key races determining the balance of power in Congress. source: bbc.com
09 Nov Brexit Opposition: Jo Johnson's Resignation: British MP Jo Johnson resigned from her position as Transport Minister in protest of Theresa May's Brexit plan. She called for a second referendum, highlighting the deep internal divisions within the British government regarding the Brexit process.
10 Nov Florida election recounts following close gubernatorial race: In the aftermath of the 2018 midterm elections, Florida initiated recounts for the gubernatorial and Senate races due to extremely close results. The recounts were mandated by state law when the margin of victory was within 0.5%. This process drew national attention and highlighted issues related to voting and election integrity. source: reuters.com
11 Nov Democratic Republic of Congo Election Preparations: The opposition coalition selected Martin Fayulu, leader of the Engagement for Citizenship and Development, as their joint presidential candidate for the 2018 general election.
13 Nov Sri Lankan Constitutional Crisis: The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka overturned President Maithripala Sirisena's decision to disband Parliament and hold snap elections, preserving democratic processes.
16 Nov Georgia Gubernatorial Election Controversy: Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams ended her campaign, acknowledging Brian Kemp's victory while announcing her intent to file a federal lawsuit against Georgia for election mismanagement, signaling ongoing electoral disputes.
17 Nov Florida Gubernatorial Election Concludes: In the 2018 Florida gubernatorial election, Democratic candidate Andrew Gillum conceded defeat to Republican candidate Ron DeSantis, finalizing the state's political leadership for the upcoming term.
23 Nov Sri Lankan Constitutional Crisis: Lawmakers successfully opposed Mahinda Rajapaksa's election as Prime Minister by gaining control of a new 13-member parliamentary commission, signaling significant political turbulence in Sri Lanka.
27 Nov Republican Cindy Hyde-Smith Wins Mississippi Senate Runoff: In a closely watched runoff election, Republican Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith defeated Democratic candidate Mike Espy, maintaining the Republican Party's Senate seat in Mississippi.
29 Nov Georgia elects first female president: Salome Zurabishvili, a former French diplomat, was elected as Georgia's first female president, securing 59.52% of the vote in the runoff election. She was backed by the ruling Georgian Dream party. source: dw.com
02 Dec 2018 Andalusian Regional Election: In the Spanish regional election, Socialist President Susana Diaz won but lost 14 seats. Notably, the far-right and anti-immigration Vox party gained 12 seats, marking a historic first in Spanish democratic politics.
04 Dec First African-American Mayor of Little Rock Elected: Frank Scott Jr. made history by becoming the first African-American mayor of Little Rock, Arkansas, defeating Baker Kurrus in a runoff election and representing a significant milestone in local political representation.
10 Dec Armenian Parliamentary Election: In the 2018 Armenian Parliamentary Election, Nikol Pashinyan, the Acting Prime Minister, secured a decisive victory with 70.4% of the vote, marking a significant democratic moment for Armenia.
16 Dec Georgian presidential election: On 16 December 2018, Georgia held its presidential election, marking a significant event in the country's democratic process. source: aljazeera.com
21 Dec No Confidence Vote in Guyana: The National Assembly of Guyana votes 33 to 32 in favor of a motion of no confidence, which triggers early elections for 2019 and signals potential political transformation.
22 Dec Cuba Approves New Constitution Draft: The Cuban parliament approved a draft of a new constitution, which was scheduled for a national referendum on February 24, 2019. This significant political development signaled potential reforms and changes in Cuba's governmental structure.
24 Dec Netanyahu's coalition government dissolves: On December 24, 2018, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the dissolution of his coalition government, leading to new elections. The decision was influenced by political disagreements and challenges within the ruling coalition. source: bbc.com
30 Dec 2018 Bangladeshi general elections: The 2018 Bangladeshi general elections were held on December 30, 2018, amid allegations of voter suppression and violence. The ruling Awami League party won a significant majority, leading to widespread protests and international scrutiny. source: bbc.com
31 Dec Bangladesh election results announced: On December 31, 2018, the results of the Bangladeshi general elections were officially announced, confirming a landslide victory for the Awami League. The elections were marred by allegations of violence and voter intimidation. source: aljazeera.com

What happened in 2018?

Discover what the world looked like in 2018:

Discover 2018 2018 Historical Events 2018 Nobel Prize Winners 2018 Most Popular Baby Names 2018 Chinese Horoscope 2018 Movies 2018 TV Series 2018 Academy Awards 2018 Books 2018 VideoGames