Corruption in elections has been a recurring issue throughout history, with some instances standing out for their extreme levels of fraud and manipulation. Here are 10 of the most corrupt elections in history:
1. Philippines (1969)
In the 1969 Philippine presidential election, Ferdinand Marcos was re-elected amidst widespread reports of vote-buying, intimidation, and violence. The opposition candidate, Sergio Osmena Jr., alleged massive fraud and irregularities.
2. Zimbabwe (2008)
The 2008 Zimbabwean presidential election was marred by violence, intimidation, and allegations of vote-rigging. Incumbent President Robert Mugabe was declared the winner in a widely disputed outcome.
3. Russia (2011)
The 2011 Russian parliamentary election was criticized for widespread electoral fraud, including ballot stuffing and manipulation of voter lists. The ruling party, United Russia, retained its majority amid allegations of rigging.
4. Iran (2009)
The 2009 Iranian presidential election sparked mass protests after incumbent President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was declared the winner amid allegations of vote tampering and fraud. The opposition candidate, Mir-Hossein Mousavi, claimed victory was stolen from him.
5. Kenya (2007)
The 2007 Kenyan presidential election was marred by violence and allegations of vote rigging. Incumbent President Mwai Kibaki was declared the winner, leading to widespread unrest and a disputed outcome.
6. Ukraine (2004)
The 2004 Ukrainian presidential election, known as the Orange Revolution, was marred by allegations of widespread fraud and vote rigging in favor of the pro-Russian candidate, Viktor Yanukovych. Massive protests erupted, leading to a revote and the victory of opposition candidate Viktor Yushchenko.
7. Mexico (1988)
The 1988 Mexican presidential election was marked by allegations of vote manipulation and fraud in favor of the ruling party candidate, Carlos Salinas de Gortari. The official results were widely disputed, leading to accusations of electoral fraud.
8. Nigeria (2007)
The 2007 Nigerian presidential election was marred by irregularities, violence, and allegations of widespread fraud. Incumbent President Olusegun Obasanjo's handpicked successor, Umaru Yar'Adua, was declared the winner amid claims of rigging.
9. Belarus (2020)
The 2020 Belarusian presidential election was widely criticized for electoral fraud and suppression of opposition candidates. Incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko claimed victory in a disputed outcome that led to mass protests and international condemnation.
10. United States (1876)
The 1876 United States presidential election between Rutherford B. Hayes and Samuel J. Tilden was marred by allegations of voter suppression, fraud, and disputed electoral votes. The election was ultimately decided by a special commission in a controversial compromise.
