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Abstract
A cluster of elections took place in the Commonwealth in the first months of 2004. The biggest surprise came in India, where the BJP lost power and Congress returned under Sonia Gandhi. She declined power and a Sikh became prime minister for the first time—Manmohan Singh. In South Africa Thabo Mbeki easily won a second presidential term. Abdullah Badawi also had a straight victory in Malaysia, but when Bakili Muluzi stepped down in Malawi his nominee as president emerged winner in a confusing and disputed poll. In Antigua and Barbuda the Bird dynasty lost after 23 years in power. In referenda in Cyprus the Turks voted Yes and the Greeks No to the UN reunification plan. Controversially, the suspension of Pakistan from the Commonwealth was lifted.