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Today in History: Phan Quang Dán elected despite soldier-forced voting

8/30/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On 30 August 1959 South Vietnam held parliamentary elections that the Diem regime heavily rigged, busing soldiers to cast multiple ballots for pro-government candidates. Despite the fraud, opposition figure Phan Quang Dán secured a National Assembly seat, only to be barred, arrested and charged with electoral fraud before taking office.

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Story summary

On 30 August 1959 South Vietnam held parliamentary elections that the Diem regime heavily rigged, busing soldiers to cast multiple ballots for pro-government candidates. Despite the fraud, opposition figure Phan Quang Dán secured a National Assembly seat, only to be barred, arrested and charged with electoral fraud before taking office.