Mahmoud Abbas Elected President of Palestinian Authority

January 9th, 2005

January 9th, 2005

Mahmoud Abbas Elected President of Palestinian Authority
How Long Ago?

20 years, 2 months, 5 days ago

Location

Palestinian territories

Category

Politics & Government

People
  • Yasser Arafat
  • Mahmoud Abbas
  • Rawhi Fattouh
Links & References
Tags

Mahmoud Abbas Elected President of Palestinian Authority

Mahmoud Abbas was elected to replace Rawhi Fattouh as the President of the Palestinian National Authority in a pivotal election. The vote, which followed the passing of longtime leader Yasser Arafat, was held on January 9, 2005. Abbas, a member of Fatah and an advocate for peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, garnered significant support amidst a backdrop of hope for renewed diplomatic efforts.

Abbas won the election with 62% of the vote.

High voter turnout at approximately 75%.

Abbas's platform focused on peace and negotiation.

Historic leadership transition after Arafat's death.

What Happened?

The election of Mahmoud Abbas marked a significant turning point for the Palestinian National Authority following the death of Yasser Arafat in November 2004. Rawhi Fattouh had served as the interim president, but Abbas's election represented both continuity and change. Running primarily on a platform advocating for peace and security, Abbas was perceived as a moderate alternative capable of bridging divides within Palestinian society and advancing negotiations with Israel. The elections were overseen by international observers, highlighting a commitment to democratic processes in the region. With an estimated voter turnout of around 75%, the elections were viewed as a testament to the Palestinian people's desire for political and social stability. Abbas won approximately 62% of the vote, allowing him to take office with a strong mandate despite the challenges that lay ahead.

Why Does it Matter?

The election of Mahmoud Abbas is interesting for its implication in Palestinian governance and peace efforts. It symbolized the Palestinian people's aspirations for a democratic process after Arafat's long rule and laid the groundwork for subsequent negotiations with Israel. Abbas's presidency was crucial in shaping the future of the Palestinian territories, influencing international perceptions and involvement in the peace process.

Discover More Historic Events from January 9th

Accidents & Tragedies

Sriwijaya Air Flight 182 crashes north of Jakarta

January 9th, 2021 4 years ago

Sriwijaya Air Flight 182 tragically crashed on its way from Jakarta to Pontianak, Indonesia, shortly after takeoff. The Boeing 737-500 lost contact with air traffic control about four minutes into the flight. Rescue efforts were initiated quickly, leading to the recovery of debris and human remains from the Java Sea. All 62 people aboard, including passengers and crew, were confirmed dead.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

Charlie Hebdo Attack Perpetrators Killed in Siege

January 9th, 2015 10 years ago

Following the Charlie Hebdo shooting, two assailants, Cherif Kouachi and Said Kouachi, were killed during a hostage situation at a printing company in Dammartin-en-Goële. Meanwhile, another hostage crisis unfolded at a kosher supermarket in Vincennes, where Amedy Coulibaly, affiliated with the attackers, held several hostages. The police responded to both incidents, ultimately resulting in fatalities and the freeing of hostages.

Continue Reading
Health & Medicine

Contaminated Beer Causes Mass Poisoning in Mozambique

January 9th, 2015 10 years ago

At a funeral in Mozambique, beer contaminated with Burkholderia gladioli led to a mass poisoning incident that left 75 people dead and over 230 individuals ill. The event occurred during a traditional funeral gathering, where attendees consumed the tainted beverage. Initial investigations pointed to the use of local ingredients for brewing, which had been compromised. This tragic incident cast a spotlight on food safety and public health practices in Mozambique.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

Explosion at Mitsubishi Chemical Plant in Yokkaichi

January 9th, 2014 11 years ago

An explosion occurred at the Mitsubishi Materials chemical plant in Yokkaichi, Japan, resulting in at least five fatalities and 17 injuries. The blast, which took place during the plant's operation, raised concerns about safety measures in industrial facilities. Emergency services responded promptly, and investigations were initiated to understand the cause of the explosion, highlighting the risks associated with chemical production.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

Iran Air Flight 277 crashes in icy conditions

January 9th, 2011 14 years ago

Iran Air Flight 277 experienced a fatal crash near Urmia due to icy conditions. The aircraft, a McDonnell Douglas MD-83, was attempting to land at Urmia Airport when it lost control and went down. A total of 78 people on board were killed, making it one of the deadliest aviation accidents in Iran's history. The weather conditions at the time were poor, characterized by heavy snowfall and low visibility, which contributed to the tragic outcome of this flight.

Continue Reading
Technology & Innovation

Steve Jobs unveils the original iPhone

January 9th, 2007 18 years ago

At a Macworld keynote in San Francisco, Steve Jobs introduced the first iPhone, a revolutionary device combining a mobile phone, iPod, and internet communicator. This event marked the beginning of a new era in mobile technology, showcasing features such as a touchscreen interface, visual voicemail, and a sleek design. With Jobs' charismatic presentation, he highlighted the device's potential to change how people interacted with technology. This unveiling set the stage for Apple's entry into the smartphone market, captivating the audience and tech enthusiasts alike.

Continue Reading