The 1968 Czechoslovak presidential election took place on 30 March 1968.
Ludvík Svoboda replaced
Antonín Novotný as the President of Czechoslovakia.[1][2] It was the only time during Communist regime that the elected president didn't receive 100% of votes.[3]
Background
The election was held as a result of
Novotný's resignation during
Prague Spring. Discussions about his successor started. The reformist wing of the
Communist Party of Czechoslovakia wanted an independent candidate and nominated
Josef Charvát while others supported
Ludvík Svoboda.[4] Another suggested candidate was
Čestmír Císař who was supported by students.[5] It was eventually decided that Svoboda will be the only candidate in the election.[4]
The 1968 Czechoslovak presidential election took place on 30 March 1968.
Ludvík Svoboda replaced
Antonín Novotný as the President of Czechoslovakia.[1][2] It was the only time during Communist regime that the elected president didn't receive 100% of votes.[3]
Background
The election was held as a result of
Novotný's resignation during
Prague Spring. Discussions about his successor started. The reformist wing of the
Communist Party of Czechoslovakia wanted an independent candidate and nominated
Josef Charvát while others supported
Ludvík Svoboda.[4] Another suggested candidate was
Čestmír Císař who was supported by students.[5] It was eventually decided that Svoboda will be the only candidate in the election.[4]